LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the role of people is of vital importance in eliminating dengue.
Addressing a meeting in Rawalpindi through video-conference from Lahore to review dengue situation, “Dengue can be eradicated by keeping houses and surroundings clean.” He directed that action be taken against violators of anti-dengue regulation.
Provincial Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, elected representatives, Commissioner and District Coordination Officer Rawalpindi and concerned officers attended the meeting held at the office of Commissioner Rawalpindi.
The chief minister said the government machinery is mobilised against dengue and elected representatives are playing a commendable role in this regard.
He said that service to humanity is a form of worship, therefore, all out resources are being utilized to control dengue and steps are being taken on war-footing for its eradication. Shahbaz Sharif said that no death had occurred due to dengue last year as a result of efforts of elected representatives, concerned departments, doctors, nurses and experts but this menace has again surfaced this year. He said that Punjab government has taken steps on emergent basis to control the problem due to which situation is improving. The CM said that dengue will again be defeated and the war against dengue will continue till its complete eradication. Issuing instructions for appointment of entomologists on a permanent basis, he directed that special attention be paid to vector surveillance and cleanliness arrangements be improved in educational institutions along with continuing spray and fogging in houses. He expressed displeasure on poor sanitary conditions in Rawalpindi and said that garbage should immediately be removed from open places while cattle barns be shifted from the surrounding areas of Nullah Lai.