Health managers to work on war footing against measles: CS Punjab

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Javed Aslam has directed health managers and senior officers of concerned departments to work on war footing for controlling measles, gastroenteritis, dengue and other diseases while concrete steps should be taken for strengthening primary healthcare system and routine immunization programme.

He stated this while presiding over a high level meeting to review arrangements for controlling of measles, gastroenteritis, dengue and other diseases and arrangements for the treatment of patients in public sector hospitals, here on Friday. Besides, Punjab Minister for Health Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Minister for Food, Bilal Yasin, Malik Pervaiz MNA, Ch. Shahbaz and Saif ul Malook Khokhar, MPAs, Kh. Salaman Rafique, Secretary Health, Hassan Iqbal, VC KEMU Prof. Masood, Commissioner Lahore Rana Naseem, Director General Health Punjab Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, DCO Lahore, Nasim Sadiq, Dean IPH Prof. Muaz Ahmed, Chief Entomologist Prof. Wasim Akram, Medical Director Children Hospital Dr. Ehsan Waheed Rathore, Director EPI, Dr. Munir Ahmed,   Chairman PITB Umar Saif and other concerned officers attended the meeting. Minister Health Khalil Tahir Sindhu observed that most of the patients of measles and gastroenteritis are being referred to Lahore from the hospitals of other cities whereas all treatment facilities of such patients are easily available at DHQ hospitals and there is no need to refer these patients to Lahore. He directed the Secretary Health to issue instructions to the administration of DHQ hospitals in this regard. Prof. Faisal Masood said that it is necessary to point out the genotype of dengue so that proper treatment could be provided to the patients if necessary.

Chief Secretary Javed Aslam pointed out that due to pre-monsoon rains, the atmosphere has become friendly for dengue breeding therefore concerned departments should continue their efforts for vector surveillance and larveciding  in accordance with the instructions of the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the guidelines provided by the experts. DG Health Dr. Tanvir Ahmed while briefing on measles said that there is a downward trend of measles in the city as the number of cases of measles has dropped. He informed that arrangements for mass vaccination against measles in 18 sensitive districts have been finalized.

On the proposals from the public representatives, Chief Secretary Javed Aslam said that he will request Chief Minister for deputing public representatives for monitoring treatment facilities for measles patients in government hospitals.  Chief Secretary directed that best treatment facilities should be ensured for the measles patients in government hospitals to save precious lives of innocent children. He directed that availability of senior doctors and consultants must be ensured in the hospitals.

In response to the directions of Chief Secretary Punjab, Secretary Health Hassan Iqbal issued orders for cancellation of summer vacations of teaching staff of public sector medical colleges.