Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said the performance of elected representatives, officers, doctors, nurses and paramedical staff in the battle against the dengue virus was appreciable. Shahbaz was presiding over a meeting on Monday to review steps taken to eradicate the dengue virus. National and Provincial Assemblies members, the Punjab Chief Secretary, various departmental secretaries, experts and members of Sri Lankan medical team were present on the occasion. Shahbaz said coordinated efforts were important to curb the spread of the outbreak. He directed that a helpline be set up to impart awareness on the dengue virus.
He said medical facilities had been upgraded to protect patients. He said five additional cell separators had reached Lahore and would be installed in Multan, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi and Lahore. He said consultants were visiting private and charity hospitals to improve service.
On Sunday, consultants examined 305 patients in 14 hospitals and shifted five dengue patients to teaching hospitals due to complications. He directed the Secretary Health to make a plan to train general practitioners. He directed the Head of Institute of Public Health to continue the process of training of doctors and nurses. He said surveillance teams were performing well and the Sri Lankan medical team has also appreciated their performance. He said ongoing cleanliness campaign should be speeded up and hotels and restaurants should be inspected regularly. Earlier, chairmen of town committees and secretaries of various departments informed the CM of steps taken to curbing dengue and eliminating its larvae.
Relief for Turkey: At the meeting, the Punjab government has decided to send relief items for earthquake affectees in Turkey and a delegation led by Senior Advisor to the CM Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa will leave for Turkey with the relief items within the next 48 hours. Shahbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Turkey had strong relations and directed the CS to sent the relief items will be sent to Turkey by special plane.
