Dengue larvae detected at medical varsity
In a third-party survey, heavy dengue larvae have been discovered at nine locations within the Rawalpindi Medical University, an institution actively involved in dengue prevention efforts.
This alarming finding has created significant concerns within the health department.
Similarly, for the third time in a third-party survey, heavy dengue larvae have been detected in five areas of Government Post Graduate Waqarun Nisa Girls College.
Following the discovery of dengue larvae in Medical University and Waqarun Nisa Girls College, along with the emergence of 17 dengue cases in Chamanzar Colony, Union Council (UC) 45 has been designated as a hotspot for dengue cases.
The third-party survey also revealed that nine sanitary patrol workers, responsible for the anti-dengue campaign, were absent from their duties. These individuals, including Shazia Bibi, Sahar Tanveer, Fauzia Akhtar, Nazia Jabeen, Saima Saleem, Anita, Haider Ali, and Muhammad Owais, have been issued show-cause notices, had their salaries withheld, and have been dismissed from their positions.
In response to the discovery of dengue larvae at Waqarun Nisa Girls College and Medical University, show-cause notices have also been issued to the college principal and the focal person.
The dengue larvae were detected in areas such as the cafeteria's sewage lines, standing rainwater on the lawn, water near the tube well, and water from room coolers installed in the university.
District Civil Defense Officer Talib Hussain confirmed that the heavy dengue larvae found in the third-party survey at Medical University and Waqarun Nisa College have been eradicated, and spraying and fogging operations have been initiated in these areas.
A report detailing the recovery of dengue larvae, non-compliance with anti-dengue standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the continuous absence of workers from their duties has been submitted to the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner, he said.
Concerned about the daily increase in dengue cases and the continuous spread of dengue larvae, the deputy commissioner has expedited the third-party survey and ordered the filing of cases against those responsible for spreading dengue.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2023.