Punjab govt takes strict measures after increase in dengue cases

LAHORE: In the wake of an increase in dengue cases in the province, the Government of Punjab has decided to take strict measures to protect the health and lives of the people and issued instructions to relevant authorities to take stern action, including registration of cases and arrests, over violation of dengue SOPs. 

Kamran Ali Afzal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, gave the instructions during a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the measures to control dengue and decided to impose a ban on fountains and outdoor swimming pools. 

Kamran Fazal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, said that protecting people's health and lives is the most important for the government. He said that the government institutions and civil society must work hand in hand to eradicate dengue, adding that laxity on the part of anyone could cause a failure in collective efforts. He said that more cases had been reported this year than last year. "The next 10 days are crucial to controlling dengue, and if SOPs are not followed, dengue may turn into an epidemic, he mentioned. 

Kamran Ali Fazal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, asked the deputy commissioners to review the dengue situation daily and submit a report. He appealed to the citizens to supplement the government's efforts to control dengue, ensure cleanliness, and remove standing water on rooftops and other places in and around their houses. The Chief Secretary also instructed to start an awareness and community mobilization campaign about dengue prevention. 

The officials of the health department gave a detailed briefing at the meeting. They said that this year, 560 confirmed dengue cases and two deaths had been reported in the province. In the last 24 hours, 23 new dengue cases have surfaced, and 96 dengue patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals. The secretaries of various departments and the health department officers attended the meeting while all the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video links.