Govt strengthens dengue surveillance

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said that dengue surveillance and testing has been enhanced throughout Punjab for suspected patients.

She expressed these views while chairing the cabinet meeting on dengue prevention at the Darbar Hall of the Civil Secretariat on Thursday.

The health minister tasked the commissioners and deputy commissioners to personally monitor the dashboard and maintain adequate stock of medicines for dengue patients in hospitals.

She further said that dengue larva must be eliminated after identification of hotspots and SOPs must be implemented on recommendations of Dengue Expert Advisory Group (DEAG). “I appeal to the people to keep their homes clean and prevent accumulation of water that could host dengue larvae. Rains increase the chances of dengue outbreak therefore we must all be vigilant,” she stressed.

“Helpline is continuously providing guidance to the people regarding dengue virus and related safety measures,” the health minister highlighted.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said we cannot ignore dengue amid pandemic as both are dangerous and thereby no negligence will be tolerated. “A Third party evaluation will be conducted in Punjab. All teams must stay alert!”

Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary Sarah Aslam attended the meeting in person whereas commissioners and deputy commissioners joined via video link.

Representatives of the police, DGPR, Civil Aviation, Rescue 1122 and other department officials attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2021.