Distribution of financial assistance to the heirs of those who died due to dengue has begun. A most transparent policy has been evolved in this regard, and the particulars of the deceased have been prepared after thorough scrutiny. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday went to Koh-e-Noor Housing Scheme, Kot Lakhpat and gave a cheque of Rs five lakh to Muhammad Amjad, son of Ulfat Begum who died due to dengue. Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Provincial Assembly Member Ramzan Siddique Bhatti were also present on the occasion.
Expressing his sorrow and grief with the heirs of the deceased, the CM said financial assistance could not compensate for a loved one’s life; however, he shared their grief. He offered fateha and prayed that Allah Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal peace. Later, a large number of people gathered and paid rich tribute to the CM for his untiring efforts for the eradication of dengue. They said the CM had given proof that he was a Khadim-e-Punjab in the real sense, by serving ailing humanity in this hour of trial.
Talking on the occasion the CM said he stood with his people in the war against dengue and would not rest till the virus was eliminated. He said a comprehensive strategy for the eradication of dengue had been evolved, and medicines and machinery had been imported by air. He said training was being imparted to doctors and nurses, whereas special teams comprising Sri Lankan and Indonesian experts had joined the fight, while 150 doctors and nurses were being sent for training to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. Sharif mingled freely with the locals and listened to their problems. People raised slogans of ‘Shahbaz Sharif Zindabaad, Khadim-e-Punjab Zindabaad’.
Sril Lankan team: Separately, the Sri Lankan medical team has paid tribute to the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for developing a comprehensive strategy for the eradication of dengue. In a meeting held to review the measures taken for the elimination of dengue from the province, Sri Lankan Medical Team Head Dr Palihawadana Paba said the way doctors and nurses had gained expertise regarding dengue and its treatment was commendable. He said due to an effective strategy, not only a number of precious lives had been saved, but the steps taken in this regard had also helped eliminate dengue larvae.
The CM appreciated the role of young doctors and pharmacists performing duties on the health helpline in the war against dengue, addressing a function held in recognition of doctors’ services. Separately, Shahbaz Sharif received another 2-member Sri Lankan medical team to combat the dengue outbreak at Allama Iqbal International Airport. The Secretary Health, Secretary Agriculture, Commissioner and District Coordination Officer Lahore were also present.
