Temporary workers hired for dengue fight

As the monsoon season reaches its peak, the district health authority has authorised the temporary hiring of 621 dengue sanitary patrol workers to combat the spread of dengue. These workers will be employed for 90 days, from now until October 28, and will receive lump sum daily wages without entitlement to leave. Any absences will result in salary deductions. They are set to be dismissed on October 29.

Last year's dengue season extended into November-December, and no new hires were made for the current season, leaving the health department short-staffed. Consequently, existing workers have been stretched thin, working in each Union Council (UC) to manage the dengue campaign.

Experts had predicted a high risk of dengue spread due to above-normal rainfall, and their warnings have been confirmed.