The arrangements made by the Punjab government for dengue prevention and control are highly satisfactory and the anti-dengue measures taken will help keep the disease in check.
These views were expressed by the Sri Lankan experts visiting Lahore to review the dengue control arrangements during the cabinet committee meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique. The Sri Lankan delegation especially attended the meeting to review the implementation of the steps taken by various government departments.
The 3-member delegation comprising Dr Paba, Dr Tissera and Dr Weeraman.
The meeting was briefed by the Lahore Commissioner and additional secretaries about the performance of their departments. Elected representatives from Lahore also attended the meeting.
While, addressing the meeting Dr Tissera said the arrangements for the clinical management of dengue patients in government hospitals and high dependency units (HDUs) established in these hospitals are satisfactory. He added that the training and professional knowledge of the medical community regarding dengue is far better than the past.
He proposed that since no cases of dengue patients have been reported, the HDUs may be used for providing treatment to other serious patients to benefit from these resources.
He hoped that due to the excellent arrangements for vector surveillance and fumigation, the dengue situation will be under control. Dr Tissera said anti-dengue efforts should be more focused on room coolers as these are the major sources of dengue breeding.
He advised that before classes start in the schools after the summer vacations, a special cleanliness drive must be carried out and fogging may also be done to protect the children from the dengue virus.
While addressing the meeting Dr. Paba emphasised the importance of active community participation. She said the role of the community in dengue control is very important and people have to change their lifestyle and habits to prevent dengue.
While appreciating the efforts made by the Punjab government, she said due to the untiring efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the situation in Punjab and especially in Lahore is so satisfactory that she will suggest that Sri Lankans come to Lahore to learn from the local experts.
She observed that the information and awareness regarding dengue among the masses has been increased many times and people realise the importance of the issue.