Health Minister Issues Fresh Directions to Enhance Dengue Surveillance

01/10/20

Punjab Health Minister issued fresh directions for enhanced vigilance to control Dengue in the Cabinet Meeting on Dengue Control and Prevention at the Darbar Hall Civil Secretariat here on Thursday. Present in the meeting were Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Captain (Retd) Usman Younis, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Danish Afzal, DG Health Dr. Haroon Jehangir, whereas Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners joined via video link. Also in attendance were representatives of Punjab Police, Directorate General Public Relations, Civil Aviation Authority, Livestock Department, PHA, DHA, Rescue 1122, Special Branch, Higher Education Department, Local Government, Punjab Healthcare Commission and officials of other departments. The Minister reviewed dengue control activities in the province. Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Captain (Retd) Usman Younis apprised the Minister of activities on Dengue prevention. Other concerned department also shared their respective activities in the meeting. The Health Minister said, “All the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners must send list of staff showing negligence. All prevention activities must be tailored according to changing weather. The Punjab Healthcare Commission must increase inspection of hospitals. Medicines are available at all hospitals. The teams must identify hot spots, so that larvicidal activities can be carried out.” The Minister said, “The PITB must update and analyze data on a daily basis. Dengue is under control in Punjab so far. The SOPs of the Dengue Expert Advisory Group must be implemented. Enhanced surveillance is needed in affected areas. All departments will have to work in synergy to control dengue in Punjab. All districts are directed to update their daily data on the dashboard. I appeal to people to keep their homes, offices and shops clean and tidy. The government is making all out efforts to control dengue. No negligence will be tolerated in Punjab.