Health Ministry appoints grade-17 doctor to senior immunization post

The Ministry of National Health Services has appointed a grade-17 medical officer to a grade-19 position in the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI), raising questions over the eligibility criteria for the post, according to official sources.

Under a notification issued by the ministry, Medical Officer Dr. Iram Naveed has been appointed as Director Technical at the Federal Directorate of Immunization and transferred from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to the FDI on deputation.

Sources familiar with the matter said the appointment has drawn scrutiny because the position of Director Technical is considered a senior management role within the country's immunization programme.

According to the sources, the prescribed qualifications for the post include specialized academic credentials in vaccine management and public health, including a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, as well as extensive experience in immunization programme management and vaccine policy development.

Sources said the position typically requires around 12 years of experience in areas such as immunization programme administration, vaccine policy formulation and public health management.

They claimed that the Ministry of Health already has officers possessing the required qualifications and experience, including expertise in vaccine management and public health, who could be considered for the position.

The Federal Directorate of Immunization is responsible for implementing national vaccination programmes aimed at preventing diseases such as polio, measles and other vaccine-preventable infections. The directorate plays a key role in policy implementation, programme management and coordination of immunization campaigns across the country.

Officials at the ministry have not publicly commented on the concerns raised regarding the appointment.

The development comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen its immunization programmes and achieve disease-control targets through the Expanded Programme on Immunization and other public health initiatives.