CM Punjab issues directives for dealing with dengue challenge

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed all concerned departments and institutions to remain alert for coping with dengue virus.

He said precautionary measures should be taken for eradication of dengue throughout Punjab including Lahore, adding that effective implementation should be made on the plan evolved previous year with regard to eradication of dengue. He said concerned federal and provincial departments should take steps through joint efforts.

He issued these directions while addressing a meeting at Civil Secretariat and various districts through video link, here on Thursday. The meeting reviewed in detail dengue situation and protective measures in the province.

Shahbaz Sharif said administrative officer showing negligence in eradication of dengue had no right to remain on his post, and warned that strict action would be taken against the officers responsible of negligence.

He said concerned institutions and district administration should play active and vibrant role for coping with dengue, adding that full attention should be paid to the indoor and outdoor surveillance and immediate drainage of accumulated water should be ensured.

The CM directed that Cabinet Committee for Anti-Dengue should work in a coordinated manner and effective steps should be taken for eradication of dengue by benefiting from modern technology. He also suggested that questions regarding anti-dengue must be included in annual examinations.

Shahbaz Sharif said institutional mechanism for eradication of dengue was very essential and that mechanism should be activated at the earliest.

He said regular checking of tyre shops, graveyards, under-construction buildings and junkyards should be continued and old and damaged tyres should be properly destroyed. He said if larva was found from any tyre shop, a case should be registered against the owner.

The Chief Minister said Tehsil Emergency Response Committees should be activated, adding that checking of hotels and restaurants should be carried out and a vigorous campaign should be launched for awareness of the masses.

Provincial Ministers Col Shuja Khanzada (retd), Farrukh Javed, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Advisor Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, Members Assembly, concerned secretaries, medical experts and administrative officers attended the meeting at Civil Secretariat and from their respective districts through video link.