CM says Health and Livestock Departments must take the lead. PHOTO: FILE
FAISALABAD/ BAHAWALPUR: Faisalabad DCO Salman Ghani said on Tuesday that the district administration was taking steps to raise awareness about Congo virus. “Livestock, Health and Agriculture Departments will have to play an active role to achieve the target set for this drive.”
The DCO was addressing an awareness seminar at the Lyallpur Complex. Livestock Director Munir Shami, Agriculture EDO Chaudhry Abdul Hameed, Livestock DO Saleha Gull and Saddar Assistant Commissioner Rafia Haider were present.
The DCO said Congo fever was spread by ticks. “We must understand the causes and transmitters of the disease and adopt safety measures.”
He said veterinary camps would be set up at various points to examine animals. “We will train breeders and traders to spot the symptoms. We will also raise awareness by putting up posters carrying information regarding precautionary measures.” He said the posters would be put up in front of slaughterhouses.
Dr Munir Shami said livestock dispensaries would be set up at cattle markets where sacrificial animals would be sold ahead of Eidul Azha. Cattle would be screened and treated there.
Agriculture EDO Hameed spoke of preventive measures and advised people visiting cattle markets to cover their face and hands and to avoid limited contact with animals.
Saleha Gull said masks, gloves, aprons and gum boots had been distributed among veterinary officers, staff and butchers at nine slaughter houses in the district.
Ward sealed
Surgical Ward 4 and an operation theatre at Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, have been closed as a precautionary measure against Congo virus. The administration of Bahawal Victoria Hospital said they would undertake effective measures to clear Congo virus in line standards approved by the World Health Organisation. Surgical Ward 4 would re-open at 6am on August 5.
CM takes notice
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the cabinet committee on health to take stringent measures against Congo virus.
He directed departments concerned to ensure implementation of the SOPs notified by the World Health Organisation.
Health and Livestock Departments must take necessary steps in this regard, he said.
Medical superintendents empowered
Rahim Yar Khan DCO Captain (r) Muhammad Zafar Iqbal said on Tuesday that the government had decided to extend additional powers to medical superintendents regarding supply of medicines and repair of machinery and equipment. “This will help hospital administrations to ensure timely provision of health services to patients.”
The DCO was addressing a meeting at Shaikh Zayed Hospital to review the medical facilities there.
He said missing doctors, paramedical staff and medicines would not be tolerated.
He directed the Shaikh Zayed Hospital’s administration to ensure 100 per cent attendance of doctors and paramedical staff. “Unavailability of senior doctors will not be acceptable in any way.”
He said the MS would have to take out the duty roster and prepare a list of undisciplined doctors and staff.
He said it was important to plant new trees at hospitals. “The district administration will cooperate in this regard.”
The DCO said data on available medicines, machinery and facilities would be displayed at all wards.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2016.
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