Lahore

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 By Our Correspondent LAHORE EMERGENCY plan for eradicating dengue virus has been evolved under which Punjab Health Department and City District Government Lahore (CDGL) will implement a joint strategy. According to a hand out here on Monday, this was decided in a meeting chaired by Secretary Health Punjab Anwar Ahmad Khan, for evolving en effective strategy for eradicating dengue virus. DG Health Dr. Muhammad Aslam Ch., EDO Health Lahore Dr. Nasir Malik, Director CDC Dr. Zia-ur-Rehman, Medical Superintendents (MSs) of all government hospitals of Lahore, officers of CDGL, Bacteriologist Punjab and other concerned officers were also present on this occasion. It was decided in the meeting that anti-mosquito spray would immediately be carried out in the localities adjacent to River Ravi and old river including Kot Khawaja Saeed, Shadbagh, Pamay Chugian, Misri Shah, Badami Bagh, Chah Meran, Shahdara, Band Road, Gulshan Ravi, Multan Road, Sanda and other areas on war footing. It was also decided that anti mosquito spray would also be carried out on ponds. The meeting decided that lady health workers would pay door to door visits to create awareness in people of above mentioned sensitive areas about the precautionary measures against dengue virus. Solid Waste Management wing of district government will pay special attention to the disposal of garbage. Secretary Health inquired from the medical superintendents of government hospitals about available treatment and diagnoses facilities. He directed bacteriologist for increasing timing of IPH laboratory upto sunset so that samples of dengue virus could be deposited till evening. He directed DG Health to provide technical guidance regarding prevention of disease as well as pay special attention to surveillance and monitoring system. It was decided in the meeting that Director CDC would be incharge of the operation and monitor the measures besides providing technical support to the district and field officers. He will also serve as media coordinator whereas DOH Lahore Dr. Muhammad Hanif would be the focal person for the prevention of dengue fever at district level.