Govt cancels health workers' leave as measles-pneumonia outbreak worsens

The Directorate General of Health Services has cancelled all types of leave for doctors, officials, employees and health workers of government health facilities following an outbreak of measles-induced pneumonia among children across the country.

The decision was conveyed in an office order issued by the administration branch of the directorate on Thursday, April 2. The notice stated that the measure was taken to tackle the emergency situation, ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and intensify the measles vaccination campaign.

The order further said that earned leave and casual leave for those working under the directorate and all its health facilities would remain suspended until further notice.

The directive, signed by Directorate of Health Services Director (Administration) Professor Dr Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, said it was issued with approval from the competent authority and would take immediate effect.

The government has already taken initiatives to intensify the emergency vaccination programme as measles infections have surged. Officials said ensuring the presence of health workers is now critical to continue vaccination programmes as well as hospital services to control the infection.

The order has been sent to concerned ministries, divisional and district health officials, and instructions have been given to publish it on the directorate's website.