LAHORE – Caretaker Chief Minister Najam Sethi has directed the departments concerned to launch a robust campaign against dengue.
“All necessary steps should be taken to prevent the outbreak,” the chief minister directed while presiding over a meeting on anti-dengue measures at Chief Minister’s Secretariat Monday.
Additional chief secretary and other officials concerned attended the meeting. The provincial secretaries informed the caretaker CM about the measures adopted by their departments for eradication of dengue.
Sethi said dengue mosquito and its larvae can completely be eradicated with the collective efforts of the concerned institutions and the active participation of the masses in anti-dengue drive. He stressed the need for launch a vigorous awareness campaign about preventive measures and cooperation of media should be sought for the purpose. Similarly, he said seminars should be arranged at district level. He said that a coordinated strategy should be evolved against dengue virus and mechanical and chemical methods be adopted for eradicating dengue larvae.
He stressed precautionary measures should be taken to apprise the people of any possible threat. Sethi directed that indoor and outdoor surveillance should be carried out in an active manner while relevant equipment and machinery should be in working condition. He also issued instructions for special monitoring of graveyards, warehouses, under-construction buildings and ponds. He said that tyre shops should also be monitored and it should be ensured that used tyres are not stored in the open places. Sethi further directed that timely payment of salaries to the staff deputed for anti-dengue campaign should be ensured. The Caretaker Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the arrangements for anti-dengue campaign and directed that the process of issuing licenses to tyre shops and junkyards be completed by April 15 at any cost. He issued directives to to mobilise anti-dengue brigade.