The Rajouri chief medical officer (CMO) has sought an urgent explanation from the block medical officer (BMO) of Kandi regarding the circulation of a pamphlet bearing the slogan “Polio Free Pakistan”. The CMO termed the material prima facie unauthorised, misleading, and capable of creating public confusion about official health initiatives.
Official communication details
In an official communication, the CMO stated that an advertisement related to the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) Programme, 2026, was circulated on social media and WhatsApp groups. The advertisement created the impression that it had been officially issued or endorsed by the office of the Kandi BMO. Scrutiny of the material revealed it carried the logo of the national emergency operations centre (NEOC) and the slogan “Polio Free Pakistan”, which has no relevance to any programme or communication of the Jammu and Kashmir health and medical education department or the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Pamphlet contents and circulation
The pamphlet also bore the name and designation of the BMO now under scrutiny. The logo and slogan were deemed prima facie unauthorised and capable of causing public confusion regarding official government health initiatives. The letter noted that the material was circulated on social media by Community Health Officer Ayub Lone.
Authorities view matter with utmost seriousness
The communication stated that the matter has been viewed with “utmost seriousness” by local authorities, as it could adversely affect public confidence and bring disrepute to the department. The CMO directed the BMO to submit a detailed report and written explanation within one day, clarifying whether the material had been prepared, approved, printed, published, or circulated with official authorisation.
Specific directives issued
The officer was also asked to identify the officials or agencies responsible for preparing, designing, approving, printing, and circulating the pamphlet. Additionally, the BMO must explain under whose authority the logo and contents were incorporated. An explanation was also sought from the community health officer on why he allowed its dissemination. The CMO ordered that no material, advertisement, poster, pamphlet, or social media content be issued or circulated in the name of the office without verification and approval.
