Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar presided over a meeting to review the steps taken for the eradication of dengue at his office here on Wednesday. The meeting directed the line departments to proactively work for the eradication of dengue disease. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that all the line departments should perform their duties with dedication and the devised plan should be fully implemented. It is essential to stop the spread of dengue; therefore, disposal of water should be properly managed as there is no room for any laxity in this regard. He made it clear that no leniency will be tolerated with regard to eradication of dengue and strict action will be taken where ever leniency is found. The meeting decided to recruit the anti-dengue staff according to needs and requirements on emergent basis.
The Chief Minister said that necessary funds will be provided on priority basis and shortage of staff will be fulfilled as well. He directed that divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners should immediately adopt practical measures by regularly holding meetings in their respective divisions and districts. It is also imperative to sensitize the people about safety from dengue disease and therefore, an effective awareness campaign should be started. Similarly, timely provision of anti-dengue medicines should also be ensured. The citizens should follow precautionary measures for safety from dengue and the health department should complete all arrangements in hospitals for combating the possible dengue attack. Similarly, the students should be educated about anti-dengue measures, he said. The line departments should remain fully vigilant and indoor and outdoor surveillance should be ensured. Earlier, secretary primary and secondary health gave a briefing about the anti-dengue arrangements.
Provincial ministers including Raja Basharat, Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, Murad Raas, Raja Yasir Hamayun, provincial advisor Muhammad Hanif Pitafi, ACS, secretaries, spokesman to CM and others attended the meeting.