LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that eradication of dengue virus is a challenge and not only an effective strategy is being implemented but a short, medium and long term plan has also been evolved for coping with it. He said that cooperation of people for rooting out dengue virus is of vital importance, therefore, all members of society will have to play an active role in this regard and maintain a clean environment in their surroundings. He was presiding over a meeting of special committee against dengue virus, here today. Elected representatives, Chief Secretary, administrative secretaries of various departments and experts were present on the occasion. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are serving the ailing humanity round the clock and the knowledge gained from Sri Lankan and Indonesian experts for the eradication of dengue virus and treatment of patients is being fully utilized. He said that thousands of dengue patients have recovered by the grace of Allah Almighty and due to efforts of doctors. He said that doctors, nurses and officials of other departments showing good performance in the drive against dengue virus will be encouraged. Appreciating the efficiency of Secretary Health, he said that efforts of health department and public awareness campaign have greatly helped in apprising the people of preventive measures against dengue virus. He said that the campaign for the eradication of the larvae of dengue mosquito at various places in the light of the report of surveillance committee is also yielding positive results. Inquiring from the chairmen of town emergency committees regarding detail of their visits to various hospitals, he directed them that side by side with government hospitals, they should also visit trust hospitals regularly and submit a daily report regarding medical facilities available in hospitals. He directed that cleanliness arrangements in hospitals should further be improved. Appreciating the measures taken by chairmen surveillance committee, Secretary Agriculture regarding detection of dengue larvae at different places, he said that it has greatly helped in larviciding in graveyards, hospitals, tyre-shops and other spots. Issuing instructions of obtaining certificates from all hospitals regarding elimination of dengue larva, he said that chairmen surveillance committee should also visit different hospitals to ensure complete eradication of the larva in hospitals. He directed that a documentary film regarding detection of dengue larva and its eradication should also be produced for promoting public awareness in this regard so that people could root out larvae from their houses. He said that assembly members should also undertake checking of tube wells in their respective areas and make arrangements for the drainage of stagnant water and immediate repair of leakage if found anywhere and submit a report to him. The Chief Minister further said that activation of primary healthcare system is of vital importance as it will not only result in availability of quality health facilities to the patients at their doorstep but will also reduce the rush of patients in big hospitals. He directed Additional Chief Secretary to submit a plan within next few days for activating primary healthcare system. Earlier, provincial secretaries gave detailed briefings regarding the steps for curbing dengue virus. Secretary Health gave details of dengue situation and provision of curative facilities of patients in hospitals. He said that a gradual decrease in the number of patients in hospitals is being witnessed. Commissioner Lahore informed about the special campaign for fogging, spray and removal of solid waste.