Health department to improve vector surveillance in the city:Kh Salman

Lahore:Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab on Health, Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed the health department officers especially EDO Health Lahore to further improve vector surveillance in the city during the next two months as well as ensure strict monitoring of surveillance teams so as to check the breeding of dengue mosquito.

He was presiding over a meeting at his office today to review the measures being taken for checking the breeding of dengue mosquito due to changing weather, here today. Special Secretary Health Dawood Muhammad Breech, Dean IPH Prof. Muaz Ahmed, Incharge Chief Minister’s Dengue Research Cell Dr. Waseem Akram, Additional Secretary Health Technical Dr. Anwar Janjua, Additional Director General Vector Born Diseases Dr. Jaffar Ilyas, EDO Health Lahore Dr. Inam ul Haq, Member Dengue Experts Advisory Group Dr.Tayyaba and other concerned officers were present. Dr. Waseem Akram informed the meeting that very few adult dengue mosquito and larva have been reported so far, however, as the weather is very favourable for breeding of dengue mosquito, therefore, there is a need for vector surveillance as well as preventive measures. He said that there is a need for launching a vigorous public awareness campaign so that the people should keep their houses clean, dry up their room coolers and cover their stored water so that the growth of dengue larva could be prevented. Dean IPH Prof. Muaz said that there is a need to pay special attention to Samanabad, Ravi Town, Aziz Bhatti Town, Wahga Town and Gulberg Town as these are sensitive areas with regard to dengue.

Khawaja Salman Rafique directed that letter be written to Director General PHA asking him to direct PHA staff to immediately dispose off the items discarded by the visitors into the parks and not to water the parks unnecessarily. Dr. Waseem Akram said that there is no need of spray and fogging at present and dengue larva should be destroyed through mechanical method. Khawaja Salman Rafique directed EDO Health to submit a work plan of vector surveillance for next two weeks in all towns. He directed Dengue Expert Group to take surprise visits to teaching hospitals of Lahore to review their preparation and availability of medical facilities for the dengue patients.