A delegation of WHO arrives Lahore to review the arrangements of eradication of Ebola virus

Lahore: A 7-member delegation of World Health Organization has arrived Lahore to review the arrangements of eradication of Ebola virus. The delegation met Advisor Health Kh. Salman Rafiq and Secretary Health Jawad Rafiq Malik at Civil Secretariat. Director General Health Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Director Health, CDC Dr. Ahmed Afifi were also present on the occasion. The delegation included Dr. Rayana Boughaka, Dr. Musa Rahim, Dr. Muntazir ul Hashim, Dr. Khalil Khalil, Dr. Wasif Khan, Dr. Salman and Dr. Jamshed Ahmed. The representative of UNICEF Dr. Mushtaq also attended the meeting. The delegation reviewed the arrangements made by Punjab Health Department for checking Ebola virus and treatment of any patient suffering from the disease.

The delegation recommended giving commendatory certificates to doctors and staff of Allied Hospital Faisalabad for treatment of a suspected Ebola virus patient according to SOPs and dealing with this issue in a professional manner. Kh. Salman Rafiq apprised the delegation of the measures taken for checking Ebola virus and medical facilities provided to a suspected Ebola virus patient late Zulfiqar of Chiniot. He informed the delegation that blood samples of the family of late Zulfiqar and doctors and staff who treated the patient at District Headquarters Hospital Chiniot have been sent for analysis to NIH Islamabad. Secretary Health Jawad Rafiq Malik said that guidelines of World Health Organization and SOPs are being followed for checking Ebola virus and guidance will be sought from the delegation for taking more steps in this regard. He asked the delegation to help purchase safety kits from international market for the staff and doctors treating Ebola virus patients. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has allowed using all possible resources for overcoming this problem. Head of the delegation Dr. Rayana Boughaka assured that WHO will extend complete cooperation for purchasing thermal scanners, thermal guns and safety kits from international market.

The delegation during its 2-day stay at Lahore, will visit Lahore Airport, Institute of Public Health, Services Hospital and other medical institutions. The delegation will also meet medical experts, officers of Civil Aviation, Immigration, FIA and other concerned departments and get necessary information regarding Ebola virus and also give a briefing.