Pindi to ramp up anti-dengue drive

As dengue cases rise sharply in Rawalpindi, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has begun receiving daily briefings on the ongoing anti-dengue campaign and patient care. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has returned to Rawalpindi to lead a review meeting on the situation.

Alongside National Assembly member Tahira Aurangzeb, Rafique convened the meeting at the Deputy Commissioner's office to assess the current dengue outbreak. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan, and several Provincial Assembly members were present to discuss urgent strategies.

Rafique emphasised the need for immediate action, including conducting awareness sessions to reduce dengue cases. He reassured that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation and expressed confidence that with public cooperation, dengue could be eradicated.

Aurangzeb, designated as the Focal Person for Dengue, noted that under CM Maryam's directives, public representatives are collaborating with Health Department teams to conduct field visits and evaluate the dengue situation. Controlling the spread of dengue remains the highest priority.

Recent reports indicate that 1,996 dengue patients have been reported in Rawalpindi this year, with 281 currently hospitalised and 1,617 having recovered.

During a visit to Dhoke Munshi, Aurangzeb and DC Cheema inspected a Wheel Health Camp and checked on a dengue patient's home to evaluate the response efforts and fogging activities. They also examined larvae found during surveillance in the area.

Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of this month in combating the outbreak.