Health Minister Orders Intensified Anti-Dengue Drive
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir has called for an aggressive, coordinated, and data-driven prevention campaign against the dengue menace. He directed elected representatives, district administrations, and health authorities to actively engage in field surveillance, hotspot inspections, and public awareness efforts to prevent dengue from establishing a foothold in the division.
During a high-level meeting at the Commissioner Office, the provincial minister reviewed preparedness and ongoing activities across the Faisalabad division. He emphasized the imperative of collective and timely action to defeat the disease once again.
Khawaja Imran Nazir directed members of the provincial assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders to chair meetings of Tehsil Emergency Response Committees for Dengue Control and ensure their participation in District Emergency Response Committee meetings as well. He stressed that elected representatives should offer full support to health authorities in field activities and play an effective role in educating citizens about preventive measures.
The minister directed authorities to gather data on suspected dengue patients from both public-sector hospitals and private hospitals/laboratories to ensure comprehensive surveillance and timely response. He proposed involving students in dengue prevention activities by providing them questionnaires focused on identifying potential mosquito breeding sites in their homes and maintaining clean surroundings. Collected questionnaires should be used to promote a sense of responsibility and encourage families to adopt preventive practices.
"Through coordinated efforts, we have to defeat dengue this time as well," the minister stated, emphasizing proactive measures over waiting for an increase in cases.
Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, Divisional Commissioner, briefed the meeting about Faisalabad division’s anti-dengue activities, surveillance mechanisms, inspection of identified hotspots, and preventive measures taken by the administration and health authorities. He assured the commitment to keeping the division dengue-free in the upcoming season.
He directed relevant officials to maintain close surveillance of hotspots and ensure uninterrupted continuation of preventive activities. CEOs of District Health Authorities were instructed to involve provincial assembly members and PML-N leaders actively in the anti-dengue campaign, leveraging their outreach to mobilize and educate the public.
Deputy Commissioners and CEOs of District Health Authorities presented an overview of preventive measures taken in their respective districts during the meeting.
