Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Najam Sethi has said that the campaign against dengue should be launched on war footings and all necessary measures should be adopted for eliminating dengue mosquito and its larvae. He said that a vigorous public awareness drive should also be initiated regarding the importance of sanitation and preventive measures against dengue. He directed that all concerned departments should take effective measures in a well coordinated manner for elimination of dengue. Sethi issued these instructions while presiding over a high-level meeting regarding measures against dengue virus at Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday.
Additional chief secretary, secretaries of health, local government, higher education, schools education, agriculture, labour, environment and social welfare departments along with King Edward Medical University vice chancellor and other concerned officials were present on the occasion. Provincial secretaries informed the Caretaker Chief Minister about the measures taken by their departments for eradication of dengue.
Addressing the meeting, Sethi said that dengue mosquito and its larvae could be completely eradicated with the collective efforts of the concerned institutions and the active participation of the masses in anti-dengue drive. Sethi said that a coordinated strategy should be evolved against dengue virus and mechanical and chemical methods be adopted for eradicating dengue larvae.
Sethi further directed that indoor and outdoor surveillance should be carried out in an active manner while relevant equipment and machinery should be in working condition. He also issued instructions for special monitoring of graveyards, warehouses, under-construction buildings and ponds. He said that tyre shops should also be monitored and it should be ensured that used tyres are not stored in the open places. Sethi further directed that timely payment of salaries to the staff deputed for anti-dengue campaign should be ensured. The Caretaker Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for anti-dengue campaign and directed that the process of issuing licenses to tyre shops and junkyards be completed by April 15 at any cost. He further directed to mobilize dengue brigade.