On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the provincial government has decided to observe Anti-Dengue Day on July 27 throughout the province.
For this purpose, instructions have been issued to all district coordination officers (DCOs) to take necessary steps for observing Anti-Dengue Day in their respective districts.
A spokesman of the Punjab Health Department has said that all the officers have been asked to ensure cleanliness and to eliminate breeding sites at all public buildings in their concerned departments. The goal is to motivate people to eliminate dengue breeding sites in their homes and in private buildings as well. District governments will also ensure cleanliness and the elimination of outdoor breeding sites with particular emphasis on industrial areas, tyre-shops, graveyards, bus stops, junkyards etc.
Seminars and walks will be organised to promote public awareness, and banners presenting precautionary measures to help avoid dengue will be displayed at prominent places and roads.
Pamphlets will also be distributed among the masses, and the district administrations will arrange messages on local cable networks. Health Department staff is planning to make door-to-door visits for health education.
DCOs have been asked to visit hospitals for the inspection of dengue counters, isolation wards, high dependency units, and the availability of diagnostic and treatment facilities for dengue patients. Finally, the DCOs are supposed to submit a consolidated report regarding the whole day’s activities to the additional chief secretary on the prescribed performa.