The Punjab government has approved the PC-1 of Rs 800 million for larviciding houses in all districts of Punjab to cope with the dengue epidemic this year, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Per details, a new DG for controlling dengue epidemic will also be appointed very soon, while all districts have been directed to complete required recruitment of human resource by February 15. The initial campaign will include larvaciding indoors because due to use of heaters the indoor temperature has remained conducive for the dengue mosquito growth.
The project will then be enhanced to outdoors across all districts of punjab. CDC Director Dr Mubashar Malik said the epidemic initially appeared in four districts and then extended to 12 while dengue cases were reported in all districts last year.
He further said the money that had been allocated will be spent on human resource, equipment and insecticide, while the campaign will be extended outdoors after rises.
The Punjab government turned its attention to dengue once again after the CM in a media briefing presented the lab test reports of drugs distributed by the Punjab Institute of Cardiology.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Khawaja Imran Nazir said the government had initially planned to take up dengue ten days ago while due to the PIC issue it was delayed a bit, but now again it was going to be the focus of attention.
Meanwhile, Punjab Health Department has re-enforced Dengue Epidemic Control Regulations 2011 again in the province which will remain effective till November 30, 2012. Under the regulations, owners of all private properties, houses, factories, mills and tire godowns will be responsible for addressing the causes for the growth of dengue mosquito.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of Health Department has stressed upon the citizens to not to let water accumulate in their houses and besides disposal of broken utensils, tires and plastic bottles and should also ensure the repair and maintenance of water pipes, tanks, room coolers and air conditioners as leakage of water might result in the growth of the dengue mosquito.
The spokesman further said cleanliness and larviciding of ponds, fountains and swimming pools should also be undertaken to prevent the breeding of dengue mosquito.
The spokesman further said under the rules and regulations, health inspectors could undertake checking of different premises and in case breeding spots of dengue mosquito were found, the owners of property will have to bear the expenses for their elimination, adding that the owners of educational institutions were duty bound to undertake mosquito spray and fogging in the school premises for the elimination of dengue mosquito.