Dengue cases continue to threaten Punjab

Lahore: November, 2013 – Dengue continues to threaten public health in Pakistan and is challenging the preparedness of the healthcare fraternity. Confirmed dengue cases in Punjab recently exceeded 1823 patients. Among the 34 newly identified cases, 18 emerged in Lahore while 16 were reported in Rawalpindi.

Khwaja Salman Rafiq – Health Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab urged trained doctors in Private hospitals to closely watch the new dengue cases and report regularly to the Health Authorities.

The Health Advisor recently chaired a forum of Principals, Vice Chancellors and Medical superintendents of numerous medical institutions. The meeting was also attended by Special Secretary Health Babar Hayat Tarar and DG Health Dr. Zahid Pervez. It was held at the King Edward Medical University, where the administration of government hospitals was directed to mention complete addresses and phone numbers of dengue patient on the hospital admission forms. Other improvements in the SOPs were also suggested.

The Advisor said that incomplete addresses have created problems in ensuring preventive measures and indoor residual sprays in the affected localities. Improving clinical management can also reduce the mortality rate of Dengue.

Detailed discussions were held on case management and treatment of dengue. It was decided that Dengue patients should not be discharged from the hospital without a consultant's advice, while every patient with clear symptoms must be admitted in the hospitals.

Cleanliness Drive by LWMC
A week long cleanup drive was conducted by the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), which sanitized and sprayed 981 open plots across urban and rural areas, while transporting 29214 tons of garbage and waste to various landfill sites. A dedicated helpline has been created to receive complaints for dengue threats. A public-awareness and preventive drive is being conducted to mobilize the community through numerous educational institutions and markets. Special attention is being paid to areas near major drains.