DCOs to work hard for complete elimination of polio and dengue:Naveed Akram Cheema

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Naveed Akram Cheema has directed District Coordination Officers of all districts to work hard for complete elimination of polio and work with missionary zeal during low transmission season from November to April for making anti-polio campaigns a success. He said that the system of monitoring and efforts for elimination of polio should be further improved.

He said this while addressing the conference of District Coordination Officers at Darbar Hall of Civil Secretariat here today.  Focal Person of Prime Minister on Polio Ayesha Farooq MNA, Advisor to Chief Minister on Health Kh.Salman Rafique, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nadeem Ashraf, Chairman P&D Irfan Ehali, Secretary Health Punjab Jawad Rafique Malik, DCOs of all districts, representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Malinda Gates, DG PDMA and IG Police were present on the occasion.

Secretary Health gave a briefing about the present polio and dengue situation in the province and the action plan for eradication of dengue particularly polio during coming months. He told that only 3 cases of polio out of total 220 cases have been reported in Punjab whereas population of Punjab is more than other three provinces which reflects the hard work of health department and all district governments in Punjab. Secretary Health further told that a special anti-polio campaign will be launched in sensitive union councils of sensitive districts of the province from October 28 to April. Chief Secretary directed all DCOs to pay special attention to elimination of polio so that this stigma could be removed. He directed to depute special vaccination teams on the entry and exit points of the province and carry out strict monitoring of polio teams and take steps according to micro planning. He directed that DCOs should personally preside over the meetings regarding polio at district level.

Expressing his satisfaction over the steps regarding anti-dengue in Lahore and Sheikhupura, the Chief Secretary directed DCO Rawalpindi to take special measures for controlling dengue in Rawalpindi and take proper care of patients under treatment in the hospitals. He said that every human life is precious and service to humanity is like worship. Secretary Health informed about the steps and coordination between Health Department and Federal Government regarding controlling Ebola virus. Focal Person of Prime Minister on Polio Ayesha Farooq MNA said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif while taking strict notice of polio in the country has convened an emergent meeting and also constituted a cabinet committee which will monitor the polio situation throughout the country. Moreover, a task force has also been set up for eradication of polio.

Ayesha Farooq further said that complete security is being provided to polio workers in KPK, FATA and other sensitive areas for which help of Pak army is also being sought. She said that steps regarding elimination of polio during next low transmission season are very important and if we lost this opportunity, elimination of polio virus will be difficult. Addressing the meeting, Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafique said that all DCOs, Health Department and other institutions have worked hard with the cooperation of international partners for elimination of polio from Punjab, that is why, only 3 cases of polio have been reported so far. He said that there is need of working hard for elimination of polio from the country so that country could be made free of this fatal disease.

Chief Secretary Naveed Akram said that efforts of Punjab government for elimination of polio are no secret. He expressed the hope that like other targets, DCOs have discharged their duties diligently and they will also work with devotion and dedication for elimination of polio. He said that not only they will get respect in this world due to good deeds but Allah Almighty will also reward them on service to humanity.

Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman P&D, Director General PDMA informed about the progress of rehabilitation of flood affectees, payment of financial assistance and land computerization project. The Chief Secretary said that DCOs of 16 affected districts have set an example by distributing financial assistance of Rs.25 thousand per family among flood affectees in a transparent manner, upon which, they deserve appreciation. He said that the second phase of distribution of financial assistance for compensation of losses to the crops and houses of affectees will be started after Ashura-e-Moharram. He directed DCOs to take steps by displaying best administrative abilities for completing the second phase smoothly.

The Chief Secretary said that as per orders of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the payment of compensation of losses of crops and houses to the affectees will be made on the same day at relief centers and they will not have to visit relief centers repeatedly for this purpose. He directed DCOs to provide transport for bringing affectees to relief centers and payment will be made by cash, through cheque or bank draft and it will be the choice of affectees to receive financial assistance by cash or through cheque. The Chief Secretary also directed that the amount should also be intimated to the recipient of financial assistance. Secretary Home Azam Suleman informed about the planning of maintenance of law & order, protection of processions of azaadari, majaalis and security plan during Moharram ul Haram.

The Chief Secretary directed that foolproof arrangements should be ensured for providing complete security to the processions of azaadari and majaalis during Moharram ul Haram. He directed all DCOs to remain high alert for maintaining peace in their districts.