With seven more deaths, the death toll due to dengue in Punjab has climbed to 143, of which 131 have lost their lives in Lahore only. Over 228 new patients were also registered during the last 24 hours on Sunday. Khurshid, aged 65, from Sanda, 23-year-old Saleem from GOR-II, 44 years old Sarwar and Shahnaz Bibi were amongst the deadly virus’ latest victims. Independent sources have, however, claimed the count to be higher than reported as more than 70 percent patients did not report to government teaching hospitals. The virus has begun to spread its claws outside of Lahore, with deaths also reported in Gujranwala, Sahiwal and Chichawatni.
Hospitals remained packed with dengue patients, with multiple complaints of lack of facilities and proper healthcare being made all over the province. Hospital administration also complained of prolonged power cuts, adding that they did not have fuel or money to run generators. A Lahore Electric Supply Company officer, seeking anonymity, said nothing could be done since the national grid to the province had been shut down.
The official statistics revealed that more than 13,000 patients have been found infected with the virus and more than 1500 patients are under treatment in different hospitals. The Punjab Health Department has issued appointment letters to newly recruited 100 nurses for Services Hospital Lahore, Services Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Muhammad Javed said while presiding over a meeting of hospital administration on Sunday. He said 1,35,720 suspected dengue patients had come to the hospital till September 30, of which 1,33,061 had been tested for dengue, with 1,136 being admitted as dengue positive cases for treatment.
