Staff Reporter
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Thursday directed the health officials, especially in sensitive districts like Lahore and Rawalpindi to enhance dengue surveillance, saying that all-out resources should be put in place for anti-dengue fight.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid was presiding over a meeting of the cabinet committee, which was attended by Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Ms Sarah Aslam, representatives of Police, DGPR, Civil Aviation, Livestock, DHA, PHA, Rescue1122, Special Branch, Higher Education, Local Government, Punjab Healthcare Commission and officials of the other government department while Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners joined via video link.
The Health Minister reviewed preparations for Dengue prevention activities. The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary shared measures taken to control dengue. Other departments also presented their respective progress.
The Health Minister said, “The surveillance is being monitored strictly in the province. We will have to battle Dengue with Corona.
We have asked for data of districts not reporting dengue larva cases. All institutions must share their reports with Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department.
All CEOs must partner with civil administration to ensure dengue prevention activities. Targeted operations will be conducted to control dengue. The testing of suspected patients have been enhanced.
Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners must personally monitor the dashboard of dengue statistics. Instructions have been issued to public sector hospitals to stay prepared.
Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners must get active. Hotspots must be identified to control Dengue. Dengue will be kept under control and larvacidal activities must continue.
Coordination must be strengthened among line departments for effective epidemic response. The implementation on DEAG recommendations must be ensured.
I appeal people to keep their homes and offices clean. Rains can cause increase in the number of cases. The Health Department is providing guidance to people through the helpline.
No negligence shall be tolerated on dengue prevention. The administration will have to stay alert on dengue prevention.
The government is undertaking third party evaluation as well. Surveillance and larvacidal activities must be intensified.”
