Dengue monitoring to be stepped up

The Cabinet Committee on Dengue Control on Monday directed the authorities to improve the mechanism of monitoring, reporting and surveillance of dengue.

The direction came at a meeting of the committee attended by provincial ministers Dr Jamal Nasir, Dr Javed Akram, Azfar Ali, Mansoor Qadir, the Punjab chief secretary, additional chief secretary and secretaries of various departments. All the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

The meeting decided to establish paraplegic centres in five cities for the rehabilitation of people suffering from traumatic spinal cord injury.

Dr Jamal Nasir said that an effective system should be devised instead of traditional methods to control dengue and the existing resources of hospitals should be used for anti-dengue activities.

He directed the authorities concerned that special attention be paid to the culling of dengue larvae in parks and other open places.

Dr Akram said for the complete elimination of dengue, there is a need to work on scientific lines and raise awareness among people through community mobilisation.

Reassigning the responsibilities to the departments in connection with dengue control, the chief secretary ordered the officers to ensure the implementation of the guidelines regarding dengue.

He said meetings of dengue emergency response committees should be held regularly in all districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2023.