Chief Secretary Javed Aslam has directed health managers and senior officers of concerned departments to work on war footings for controlling measles, gastroenteritis, dengue and other diseases while concrete steps should be taken for strengthening primary healthcare system and routine immunisation programme.
He stated this while presiding over a high level meeting to review arrangements for controlling of measles, gastroenteritis, dengue and other diseases and arrangements for the treatment of patients in public sector hospitals on Friday.
Health Minister Khalil Tahir Sindhu observed that most of the patients of measles and gastroenteritis were being referred to Lahore from the hospitals of other cities whereas all treatment facilities of such patients were available at DHQ hospitals and there was no need to refer these patients to Lahore. He directed the Health secretary to issue instructions to the administration of DHQ hospitals in this regard. King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Vice Chancellor Prof Masood said that it was necessary to point out the genotype of dengue so that proper treatment could be provided to the patients if necessary.
Health DG Dr Tanvir Ahmed while briefing on measles said that there was a downward trend of measles in the city as the number of cases of measles had dropped. He informed the meeting that arrangements for mass vaccination against measles in 18 sensitive districts had been finalised.
On the proposals from the public representatives, Chief Secretary Javed Aslam said that he will request Chief Minister for d eputing public representatives for monitoring treatment facilities for measles patients in government hospitals. He directed that best treatment facilities should be ensured for the measles patients in government hospitals to save precious lives of innocent children. He directed that availability of senior doctors and consultants must be ensured in the hospitals. In response to the directions of Punjab chief secretary, Health Secretary Hassan Iqbal issued orders for cancellation of summer vacations of teaching staff of public sector medical colleges.