Dengue fighters are national heroes: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore:Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that those who waged a successful crusade against dengue are national heroes and will be rewarded. He said that his head is bowed before Allah Almighty who brought the efforts against dengue to a thumping success. He said that a glorious success has been achieved in the war against dengue by the grace of Allah Almighty and the tireless efforts of the public representative, concerned departments and the people of all segments of the society. He said that no human life has been lost this year due to dengue for which Allah Almighty be praised. He said that he is thankful to the public representatives, concerned institutions and especially the masses who extended all out cooperation in the drive against dengue. He said that those who hurled accusations against the provincial government regarding dengue left the country leaving the people in distress while Allah Almighty brought the efforts of the provincial leadership to fruition while those who adopted a non-serious attitude towards this calamity were brought to shame.

He was addressing a special meeting regarding dengue at Model Town, here today. Provincial Minister for Education Mian Mujtaba Shujar ur Rehman, Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Special Assistant Kh. Salman Rafique, Advisor Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, heads of development agencies and experts were present on the occasion. Secretary Health gave a detailed briefing regarding the dengue situation in the province and the ongoing campaign against dengue. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the worst outbreak of dengue was faced last year, however, every human effort was made to counter the situation. He said that doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and officials of other institutions were imparted training abroad. He said that relentless efforts were also made this year for controlling dengue and he had never seen such team work on any other front in his life. He said that the performance of Special Assistant Khawaja Salman Rafique, concerned institutions, district government and their teams is highly laudable. He said that a two day seminar will be held on November 10 and 11 to encourage the outstanding performers in the drive against dengue. He said that friends from Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand would also be invited on this occasion who extended fullest cooperation last year in the fight against dengue. He said that those who showed outstanding performance in anti-dengue campaign last year would also be encouraged. He said that there is a need to continue efforts for complete eradication of dengue and a more effective strategy will have to be adopted for future by keeping in view the flaws and shortcomings in the recent campaign. He said that he is thankful to Allah Almighty who brought the efforts for the eradication of dengue to success and no life have been lost due to dengue this year. He said that a thanks-giving day will also be observed for this benevolence of Allah the Merciful. He said that a steering committee has been constituted for the holding of seminars which will also decide about the performers in the crusade against dengue. He said that such seminars would also be arranged in Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and other districts of the province.

Earlier, Secretary Health gave a detailed briefing regarding dengue situation in the province, steps taken so far and the on-going anti-dengue drive. He said that special attention was paid to vector surveillance and preventive measures against dengue during this season. He said that now the provincial government has international standard vectors and a system for prevention of viral diseases. He said that technical assistance of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and WHO was also acquired. Brig. Ashfaq of Corps Headquarters and other speakers paid glowing tributes to the Chief Minister Punjab on his efforts against dengue and said it was due to dynamic and courageous leadership of the Chief Minister that a glorious success has been achieved in controlling dengue virus.