Kh. Salman inquires after swine flu patients

Lahore: Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafique accompanied by Secretary Health Babar Hayat Tarar went to Nishtar Hospital Multan today and inquired after swine flu patients under treatment at the hospital. He went to each of the swine patients and besides inquiring about their health also asked about the medical facilities being provided to them. Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Health Department with the cooperation of World Health Organization and experts is taking all out measures for controlling swine flu and all specialists are in Multan.

Later, the Advisor presided over a meeting to review the swine flu situation. Secretary Health Babar Hayat Tarar, representatives of WHO Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman and Dr. Arslan, Principal Nishter Medical College Prof. Sami Akhtar, EDO Health Multan Dr. Iftikhar Qureshi, Director Health CDC Dr. Ahmed Afifi, MS Nishter Hospital Dr. Ashiq Hussain, MS Multan Institute of Cardiology Dr. Mukhtar, Additional Director Epidemic Control & Response Dr. Jaafar Ilyas and other experts were present on the occasion.

The meeting was informed that patients of swine flu have been reported from Multan, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal and Tehsil Shorkot, Jhang. Secretary Health informed the meeting that hospitals of these cities and health authorities have been already directed to remain alert and keep a vigilant eye on the situation. He said that anti-viral medicines used in the treatment of swine flu are available in abundance however concerned pharmaceutical companies have been contacted for coping with any emergent situation and acquiring additional stock of these medicines.

Khawaja Salman Rafique, expressing satisfaction over the treatment of swine flu patients and arrangements for their look after at Nishtar Hospital, stressed upon doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to adopt precautionary measures for themselves while treating and caring for swine flu patients. He directed health authorities to take speedy measures for overcoming the situation.

Kh. Salman Rafique informed that officials of Livestock Department have been contacted and livestock teams have started monitoring of Poultry farms and Livestock farms in the area.