CM chairs meeting regarding anti-polio campaign

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that polio free environment will be provided to new generation. He said that work is being carried out with commitment and determination for eradication of polio. He said that every individual of the society will come forward and play his role for elimination of fatal disease like polio. He said that misbehavior with anti-polio teams ensuring protection to the children against this deadly disease will not be tolerated at all. He directed to provide complete security to anti-polio teams at all costs and evolve a comprehensive mechanism for this purpose. The Chief Minister said that he will not tolerate any negligence regarding eradication of polio and all concerned institutions should perform their duties with better coordination.

He expressed these views while presiding over a high level meeting regarding anti-polio, here today. Secretary Health gave a detailed briefing regarding anti-polio. Minister of State for Health Saira Afzal Tarar, Focal Person Anti-polio Cell for Prime Minister Ayesha Raza Farooq, Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafiq, Parliamentary Secretary on Health Kh. Imran Nazir, MPA Dr. Nadia Aziz, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, Secretary Health, Commissioner Lahore Division, Dr. Keith Feldan of WHO, representative of UNICEF Dr. Altaf Bosan and concerned officials were present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that every necessary step should be taken for elimination of polio virus from Punjab. He said that anti-polio campaign should continue. He said that surveillance system should further be improved and special attention be paid to exit and entry points.

Shahbaz Sharif directed Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board to prepare dashboard of polio on the pattern of dengue. He directed to constitute special committee regarding anti-polio headed by Chief Secretary and added that committee will hold its meeting twice a month while he will personally preside over a meeting once a month. He said that third party audit of all the steps regarding anti-polio will be conducted.

Shahbaz Sharif said that authentic data regarding anti-polio should be compiled. He said that seminars, debates and discussions regarding anti-polio should be held for creating awareness among the people. He said that all concerned institutions should perform their duties with best coordination.