While there is no let up in current spell of smog, special counters have been set up in various public sector hospitals, to extend best possible treatment facilities to those affected by smog. In these centres, people are being sensitized about ill-effects of smog, which continues to create havoc in the province with accidents leading to the death of one person on Tuesday.
Several flights leaving from Lahore have either been cancelled or delayed, while the motorway has been closed at some sections for some time. Due to smog, the Punjab government has announced that from Wednesday (today), schools in the province will open at 9 am and close at 2:30 pm till further notice. On Friday, schools would be closed at 12:15 pm.
Moreover, different health institutions organised seminars and walks to raise awareness about smog. In these functions, health experts have advised the citizens to wear face-mask and glasses while going outside, to protect themselves from the adverse effects of smog. Principal SIMS Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, Professor Sajid Chauhan, Professor Ashraf Majrooh, Professor Kamran Cheema and Medical Superintendent Dr Muhammad Ameer addressed the seminar and sensitized the participants regarding preventive measures against smog at an awareness seminar, here at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences / Services Hospital.
The speakers were of the view that children and elders may not unnecessarily go outside. Later, an awareness walk was also organized which was led by Principal Mahmood Ayaz. A large number of medical students, doctors and paramedical staff participated in the walk. An awareness seminar was also organized in the Fatima Jinnah Medical University/ Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to raise public awareness about smog. Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) chaired the seminar. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Masood Gondal, MS Dr Fayyaz Butt and other physicians addressed the seminar which was attended by a large number of students of the university, doctors and attendants of the patients. The speakers urged upon the community members to play their effective role in controlling smog.
Similarly, seminars and public walks were also organized in other medical colleges and hospitals. A seminar was also held in lady Aitcheson Hospital Lahore which was attended by the hospital staff and the attendants of the patients.