CM directs separate units for dengue patients

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued instructions for setting up separate units for dengue patients in all the hospitals of the province immediately.

Presiding over a meeting of special emergency committee set up against dengue virus, here on Wednesday, he further directed to set up a hotline for the benefit of dengue patients besides establishing a special dengue control room where the citizens could register their complaints and seek information.

He said that though spray has been conducted in 90%areas of Lahore however some public complaints have been received during open Kutcheries regarding the quality of the spray.

He directed Secretary Health to immediately consult experts for checking the quality of the spray.

He further directed that complete record of dengue patients be maintained in all hospitals so that an effective strategy could be evolved for controlling this virus in future.

He directed that there should not be any shortage of doctors and nurses in the separate units set up for dengue patients in the province and maximum number of doctors and paramedical staff be posted in these units on emergency basis for the benefit of the patients.

He directed that a complete report be submitted to him within 24 hours regarding establishment of special dengue units in all hospitals.

He said that well-to-do people can afford treatment in private hospitals but the common man cannot pay the expenses of these hospitals therefore it should be ensured that dengue patients should not face any problem in receiving treatment in government hospitals.

He said that a special committee has also been formed under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary which will submit comprehensive recommendations by September 30 regarding long-term planning for controlling dengue virus.

He directed that a separate cell be set up in Health Department for the sole purpose of complete elimination of dengue virus.

He said that World Health Organization should also be consulted for this purpose. He also sought a report regarding spray in educational institutions.

He directed the Secretary Health to visit Faisalabad and present a report about the measures taken against dengue virus.