Influenza death toll raises question on PHC efficiency

Health experts say influenza is 100% curable, not life-threatening

LAHORE: The death toll due to seasonal influenza which surged to 12 in Multan, has raised several questions over the efficiency of the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) as a report revealed that the victims were admitted to hospitals in critical condition after visiting different clinics in their localities.

Dr Salman Kazmi, a general physician at Mayo hospital, said in Lahore, medics have treated several patients of influenza and it was not life-threatening, but in Multan it was most unfortunate that the people were dying  of seasonal influenza which was curable.

“Unfortunately, PHC is still unable to start crackdown in Multan, DI Khan and other parts of Punjab while quacks are openly playing with the lives of common people,” he said, adding “PHC is focusing only on Lahore district.”

“The cases of influenza victims become more complicated due to quacks and they died on hospital beds,” he said.

“The PHC must take strict action against quacks across Punjab, otherwise more precious lives will be lost,” he warned.

Jinnah Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Sohail Saqlain also agreed that quackery could be the main reason behind these deaths apart from other causes.

While chairing a consultative meeting regarding H1N1 seasonal influenza on Wednesday, he said it was a 100% curable disease and in order to stop the epidemic in Lahore, Jinnah Hospital has displayed banners about precautionary measures and guidelines for general public.

In an ongoing crackdown against quackery, the Punjab Healthcare Commission has claimed to have closed down more than 6,000 fake treatment centres, hospitals, homeopathic clinics and Hakeems since January 2015.

The spokesman for the PHC said they have closed down clinics even in posh localities and would still continue their crackdown across the Punjab.

“The PHC had been taking concerted steps against quackery and is determined to eliminate it in Punjab,” he added.

Meanwhile, addressing a meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said emergent steps should be adopted to save people from this disease and work should be done on war-footing.

He added that line departments should perform their duties proactively and awareness campaign be initiated about safety from the seasonal influenza and adoption of precautionary measures. He also directed the authorities to constitute a committee for timely eradication and safety from influenza in future and added that the same committee would devise its medium and long-term strategy to control the disease.

“It is the duty of the agencies concerned to save people from this disease and there is no room for any leniency and the government departments will have to perform their duties vigilantly,” the CM said.

How to protect from influenza?

Dr Kazmi pointed out that few simple tips could save people from falling victim to influenza. He said close contact with people who already have caught the virus should be avoided.

“When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. If possible, stay at home after work or school when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others,” he said.

“Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from catching the virus. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth etc,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2018.