Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that steps are being taken on emergent basis for the treatment of dengue patients and rooting out dengue virus. He said that in addition to the efforts of the government institutions, citizens should also maintain cleanliness in their houses and surroundings as well as fully implement preventive measures against dengue. He said that the spirit and efforts of doctors and paramedical staff in the treatment of dengue patients and their look after are commendable.
The Chief Minister also issued orders for the purchase of a modern machine for diagnosis of dengue and handing it over to Holy Family Hospital. He was talking to media men during his visit to Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi Sunday. Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Secretary Health Punjab Hassan Iqbal, Principal Rawalpindi Medical College Professor Muhammad Umar as well as Medical Superintendent and doctors of the hospital were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that provision of the best treatment facilities for dengue patients has been ensured in all hospitals of the province and hospital staff is available in special dengue wards round the clock for the treatment of dengue patients. He said that special measures have been taken to cope with the challenge of dengue and besides government departments, co-operation of people of all walks of life is being ensured in promoting awareness against dengue and the efforts to curb this fatal disease.
Replying to questions of media, the Chief Minister said that provincial government is fully mobilised to control dengue and all out resources are being utilised for this purpose. He said that collective efforts of the society can help in countering this menace and the fight against dengue will continue till complete victory.
During his visit to Holy Family Hospital, the Chief Minister went to each dengue patient and inquired from him about medical facilities being provided. The patients expressed satisfaction over the treatment being provided to them and thanked Chief Minister Punjab for making available the best treatment facilities for dengue patients in public sector hospitals.
He said that special training of doctors and paramedical staff has been arranged. He said all concerned departments have been put on high alert and it has been ensured that top priority is given to treatment and promotion of awareness about preventive measures against dengue as well as maintenance of sanitary condition and this strategy has helped in countering the rapid dengue attack in the shortest time.
The Chief Minister also talked to doctors and paramedical staff deputed for the treatment of dengue patients and commended their spirit due to which a large number of dengue patients have recovered and returned to their homes. Secretary Health Punjab Hassan Iqbal informed the Chief Minister about the efforts made in Rawalpindi for controlling dengue and said that effective steps have been taken with the co-operation of elected representatives, divisional and district administration and government departments to counter this scourge. Principal Rawalpindi Medical College Professor Muhammad Umar gave details of the arrangements made at Holy Family and other hospitals of Rawalpindi for the treatment of dengue patients.