LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has urged all concerned departments to remain fully alert and work proactively to prevent the spread of dengue virus across the province, stressing that the public should also ensure cleanliness in their homes, shops and surrounding areas.
Meeting on Dengue Prevention
He expressed these views on Saturday while chairing a meeting of the Technical Working Group on Dengue Virus, where the current dengue situation and preventive measures were reviewed in detail. Khawaja Salman Rafique directed the authorities to improve and speed up surveillance activities in the field.
He said controlling dengue virus was not the responsibility of any single department but required coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. The minister said better treatment facilities were being provided to dengue patients in specialised hospitals and field staff had been mobilised to tackle the challenge.
Warning Against Negligence
He warned that bogus surveillance and fake field performance would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against negligence. He further said effective measures were being implemented to eliminate dengue larvae and emphasised that all departments must work with dedication and vigilance.
Expert Recommendations
Dean IPH Prof Dr Saira Afzal urged parents to take precautionary measures to protect children from dengue virus. She said departments including Parks and Horticulture, WASA and other relevant institutions should actively participate in anti-dengue activities. She also stressed the need for refresher training for master trainers and entomologists to strengthen dengue prevention efforts across the province.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Technical Dr Hafiz Muhammad Waseem, Deputy Secretary Technical Dr Muhammad Usman Fazal, Prof Samina, Director PITB Nosheen Fayyaz, officials of the Punjab Healthcare Commission and other officers. Security, municipal arrangements reviewed for Zulhaj congregations at Bibi Pak Daman Chairman DEAG Prof Khurram and Professor Wasim Akram participated through video link. Medical Superintendents of major hospitals from Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, DG Khan, Murree and Sahiwal also attended the meeting.
During the session, Dean Institute of Public Health Professor Dr Saira Afzal and other relevant officers briefed the Provincial Health Minister on the ongoing anti-dengue measures.
