Measles scared parents in Punjab

Lahore: 2900 cases of measles have been reported throughout Punjab from December 2012 to-date.

This was stated by Special Secretary Health Punjab Babar Hayat Tarar accompanied by Director General Health Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema, Representative of World Health Organization Dr. Wende, Representative of UNICEF Dr. Mushtaq Rana and other officers of Health Department during media briefing regarding measles. Replying to a question, Special Secretary Health said that measles epidemics is not a new thing as it has spread four times in a developed country like America last year. He said that after outbreak of this disease in Sindh and due to immediate steps of Punjab government, this disease is limited in Punjab.

On this occasion, Director General Health Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema informed that the area from which measles case is reported, MOP UP campaign is launched at large scale immediately and children of the surrounding area are vaccinated. He said that steps are being taken to improve routine EPI coverage in order to completely eradicate measles. He said that meeting of steering committee of Pediatricians was also held which was attended by the senior experts including Dean Children Hospital Prof. Tahir Masood, Prof. Agha Shabbir Ali and Prof. Tariq Bhutta from LGH. He said that medical experts are working round the clock for saving precious lives and treatment is being provided to the patients under the guidelines of WHO and Pediatricians and all necessary medicines like antibiotics, vitamin-A and Paracetamol have been provided at all health centers and separate wards and rooms have been set up for measles patients.