Saudi-bound passengers protest over shortage of meningitis vaccine

Around 300 Saudi Arabia-bound passengers protested in front of the Square Hospital in Dhaka's Panthapath area this morning (21 January) after failing to secure the meningitis vaccine, which the Saudi government has made mandatory for those travelling to the country on new Umrah or visit visas.

The protesters blocked the road in front of the hospital at around 10:30am. Then at around 12:30pm, they moved to the Probashi Kallyan Bhaban at Eskaton, where the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment is located, to continue their protest.

The protesters said various hospitals informed them that the vaccine was available at Square Hospital.

However, Square Hospital can only use 10 to 15 vaccines per day, and they do not have enough stock to meet the demand.

The hospital's Director Professor Wahiuddin Mahmood told The Business Standard, "At around 8:30am, expatriates had started gathering in front of the hospital. However, we ran out of vaccines the day before and were unable to provide them with any. Upon hearing this, the protesters left the premises."

"The vaccines are imported, and there is currently a nationwide shortage. Unfortunately, we do not know when the next shipment will arrive," he said.

Meanwhile, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam told TBS, "Please note, as mentioned in the letter, the vaccination is applicable for Umrah/Visit Visas only.

"It does not apply to work visas. Our respected remittance earners travelling to Saudi Arabia on work visas do not need the vaccination."

HSIA authorities yesterday (20 January) announced new guidelines requiring meningitis vaccination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabia's updated health regulations.

This directive will come into effect starting 10 February.

Kamrul said he sent an official letter to all airlines and airport stakeholders, outlining the new requirements.