LAHORE: In response to recent heavy rainfall, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has stressed the importance of increased efforts in combating dengue, urging heightened vigilance.
At the third meeting of the Dengue, Infectious Diseases, and Disaster Management Committee, Minister Rafique called upon all commissioners and deputy commissioners to step up surveillance measures against dengue.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Rafique at the Civil Secretariat, aimed to discuss strategies to mitigate the dengue threat.
During the session, the minister highlighted the shared responsibility in controlling dengue spread, urging personal oversight from commissioners and deputy commissioners in anti-dengue operations.
Emphasizing community engagement, he sought the support of religious leaders to spread awareness messages through Friday sermons.
Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan provided a detailed update on infectious and epidemic diseases, stressing the severity of the situation.
Key officials, including Professor Waseem Akram, and representatives via video link attended the meeting, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Minister Rafique reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting dengue, instructing secretaries to ensure prompt implementation of decisions made during the meeting.
He highlighted the importance of prioritizing upgrades in major hospitals and urged the Schools Education secretary to enforce anti-dengue activities in educational institutions.
With 79 confirmed dengue cases reported in Punjab, Minister Rafique called for concerted efforts at the district level, mobilizing every department to effectively combat the threat.
As rainfall persists, the government remains resolute in safeguarding public health and curbing the spread of infectious diseases.
