The Punjab government has made adequate arrangements and is well prepared to combat any outbreak of dengue in the coming season. The health and other government departments are well equipped to face any dengue-related challenge.
These views were expressed by Sri Lankan experts at the King Edward Medical University while addressing a press conference at the end of their four-day visit to Lahore.
Chief Minister’s Special Assistant for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Health Secretary Capt (r) Arif Nadeem, KEMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Asad Aslam Khan, Punjab Health DG Dr Nisar Cheema, members of the Sri Lankan delegation, Mayo Hospital MS Dr Zahid Pervaiz, CM’s Dengue Research Cell In charge Prof Wasim Akram, Prof Muhammad Ali of the Services Hospital and other senior officers were also present on this occasion.
While addressing the press conference, Dr Tissera of the Sri Lankan delegation, congratulated the Punjab government and the people of the province on achieving tremendous success against the disease in a very short span of time and for evolving a comprehensive system which will help in checking the dengue virus in the coming days.
While responding to a question, he said the NS-I test is one of the diagnostic methods used for dengue. However, it is on the discretion of clinicians to decide about it. He dispelled the impression that the previous dengue epidemic in Lahore was a part of a biological war.
He stated that since the mortality rate for dengue is far less than the other diseases like malaria or tuberculoses, the dengue epidemic was not a from of biological war.
Health Secretary Capt Arif Nadeem briefed the media regarding the arrangements made by the Punjab government. He said the health department and the provincial government have evolved a system for indoor and outdoor dengue surveillance right from the union council level to district and province level.
He added that a report in this connection is being collected from every district on a daily basis. Moreover, the data of dengue patients from every hospital is also being collected and displayed at dashboards for disease surveillance.
Nadeem said the training of doctors, paramedics and supporting staff has also been completed and that the arrangements for spraying and fogging, including the availability of foggers, chemicals and medicines in sufficient quantity has also been ensured.
Dr Akram said research has been started on dengue in IPH and the chemicals used during fumigation are being tested. Moreover, Talapia fish have also been released in open ponds and lakes.
While commenting on the Punjab government’s performance, Dr Paba said the government and health department are very well prepared and are now in a position to face any dengue-related challenge.
Meanwhile, the KEMU also launched a book on dengue titled ‘Hum Aur Dengue’ which has been written by Dr Sobia Iqtidar of KEMU. The book also contains the views of other medical experts and preventive measures against dengue.
Prof Aslam said the book can be obtained from the university free of cost.
