Manpower shortage hampers anti-dengue drive

The anti-dengue campaign in Rawalpindi is facing challenges as the District Health Authority has not received permission to recruit 1,500 daily wage workers, despite repeated requests.

This shortage of manpower is threatening the effectiveness of the campaign, especially in light of recent rains and the presence of dengue larvae in high-risk areas.

On the other hand, a new monitoring system has been implemented to enhance the anti-dengue efforts. This system involves the appointment of supervisors from grade 9 to grade 16 and grade 17 in each of the 212 union councils across the district. Additionally, a District Health Management Team, consisting of nine doctors, has been formed to oversee the campaign.

The additional principal medical officer has also been assigned the task of monitoring these efforts.

To bolster the campaign, public representatives in each union council are being engaged to assist with raising awareness about dengue prevention. Despite these measures, the lack of approval for the recruitment of daily wage workers remains a significant hurdle.

The dengue control campaign in Rawalpindi, including Cantt and the entire district, commenced in January 2024.