Spadework for dengue prevention completes

LAHORE, March 31: Punjab Director General Health Dr Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry says arrangements have been finalised to combat the menace of dengue fever. Addressing an awareness seminar on dengue fever at the Institute of Public Health (IPH) on Thursday, he said free diagnostic facilities had been provided in all the government hospitals and other health centres. He said community participation could help eradicate the disease more effectively. He said people should ensure anti-mosquito spray in their bedrooms, stores and washrooms. They should not store water in open tanks and keep water pots fully covered to check mosquito growth, he said. IPH Dean Dr Yaqoob Qazi, Chief Bacteriologist Dr. Zarfishan Tahir and Prof. Kokab were also present on the occasion. The DG said the government had taken all necessary measures to eradicate dengue mosquito besides providing free diagnostic and treatment facilities in government hospitals. "However, it is the prime responsibility of public health experts, family physicians and clinicians to create awareness about preventive measures among the masses through the patients visiting their clinics. Prof Yaqoob Qazi said dengue fever was comparatively a new disease in Pakistan, "therefore, there is a need to create awareness not only among the masses but doctors as well." He said no government despite spending huge resources could control dengue virus without active cooperation of the community. "There is no need to get panicky as dengue fever is completely a curable disease." Prof Kokab said dengue fever was a common disease in approximately 100 countries and 50 million cases were reported annually all over the world. She said rapid growth of population had made the dengue a big economic and social problem and whole society should make consolidated efforts to get rid of the disease.