Number of dengue patients in Saidu Sharif Government Hospital has reached 190 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared emergency in almost all hospitals in Swat District.
A meeting held in Saidu Sharif on Sunday decided to focus on preventive measures. The meeting was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Secretary Dr Fakhar Alam Irfan.
An official told Pakistan Today that the KP Health Department has decided to launch a drive to educate people in this regard. Weather in Swat is cold as compared to rest of the country, which is suitable for growth of dengue virus. On such grounds, the Health Department officials have decided to educate the people.
The officials are also in contact with people from different walks of life, especially with office-bearers and volunteers of civil society and non-governmental organisations. The people have also been directed to fumigate homes and compounds.
Saidu Sharif Hospital Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Shah Dauran informed that the number of dengue patients has risen to 190. Several other wards have also been vacated for the patients. He said that more than 40 such patients have been discharged whereas the rest of the patients are under treatment.
Besides Saidu Sharif group of hospitals in Mingora and Saidu Sharif, emergency was declared in civil hospitals of Matta, Khawazakhela, Maidan and Behrain. So far the number of affected or suspected patients could not be ascertained but the Health Department has sent emergency medicine and doctors.
On the other hand, Health Minister Shaukat Ali Yousufzai and Health Department officials reached in Mingora in connection with the scheduled visit of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan. Imran is going to inaugurate a new health delivery scheme at Bagh Dheri Swat on Monday (today). He will also be accompanied by KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak.
On the occasion, Pervez Khattak is likely to chair a meeting to handle dengue virus in Swat.
