Ebola virus situation in Punjab is reviewed at Civil Secretariat

Lahore: Advisor Health Punjab Kh. Salman Rafiq and Secretary Home Punjab Azam Suleman Khan presided over a meeting regarding expected arrival of Ebola Virus in Punjab at Civil Secretariat. Secretary Health Jawad Rafiq Malik, DCO Lahore, Manager Lahore Airport Rashid ur Rehman, Director FIA, Director Health (CDC) Dr. Ahmed Afifi, SSP Operation Dr. Haider Ashraf and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The meeting reviewed Ebola virus situation at international level and considered measures for its checking. Manager Lahore Airport informed that the passengers of international flights are passed through thermal scanner installed at the airport so that the condition of fever could be known. He said that isolation room has also been set up at Lahore airport.

The meeting directed to ensure screening of foreign guests coming to participate in Tableeghi Ijtama. He said that lakhs of people attend the Tableeghi Ijtama therefore, screening of foreign people coming from African countries should be ensured as a precautionary measure. Secretary Home directed Director FIA that travelling history should also be checked from international travelers during immigration. The meeting decided that Health Department will install flax at Lahore airport for the awareness of passengers and provision of screening. He said that according to the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, thermal scanners will also be purchased for their installation at other international airports in Punjab.

Kh. Salman Rafiq conducted representative of WHO Dr. Jamshaid on telephone and asked him for cooperation in the purchase of thermal scanners and protective dress for the staff from international market. Secretary Health Jawad Rafiq Malik informed that guidelines regarding checking of Ebola virus and precautionary measures have also been dispatched to all Divisional Commissioners and DCOs. He said that training has been imparted to Civil Aviation, FIA, Immigration and other staff of Multan, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sialkot and Lahore airports with the cooperation of WHO.

Secretary Health said that thermal scanners will be provided at all concerned airports. The meeting also decided to purchase thermal guns. Secretary Home directed to appoint SP Cantt. and AC Cantt. as focal person for checking Ebola virus at Lahore airport. He directed that all concerned departments should ensure hundred percent implementation on SOPs for checking Ebola virus.