The government has formed a three-member inquiry commission, headed by former High Court justice Mamun Rahman, to determine irregularities and failures regarding measles vaccines during the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, and to recommend measures to prevent any recurrence.
The commission was constituted under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956, according to a notification issued on Wednesday night.
Prof Dr Mawdud Hossain Alamgir, president of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), and ANM Moinul Islam, additional secretary to the Health Services Division, are members of the commission.
The commission will identify the liability of those who held responsibility from August 8, 2024 to February 17, 2026, and submit its report to the government within 60 working days.
For the purpose of its investigation, the commission will be able to inspect any place in the country and summon and question any individual.
The notification says, “An inquiry commission has been formed as follows to determine the liability of the interim government (August 8, 2024 to February 17, 2026) over allegations of adverse impacts on public health caused by delays, irregularities, and administrative failures in the procurement and distribution of measles vaccines.”
Three areas have been specified under the commission’s terms of reference.
First, “identifying the causes and liabilities for delays, irregularities, and administrative failures in measles vaccine procurement and distribution.”
Second, “providing recommendations on measures to prevent such untoward occurrences in the future.”
Third, “any other recommendation deemed appropriate by the commission in this regard.”
The Health Services Division will provide necessary secretarial assistance to the inquiry commission, along with the required expenses and manpower.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/health/news/measles-vaccine-delays-inquiry-commission-formed-determine-liability-interim-govt-4315786
