LAHORE -

Another measles patient died in hospital on Monday, taking death toll in the city to 33.
Muhammad Ahmed, 1, breathed his last at the Children’s Hospital. As many as 120 measles patients were admitted to Lahore hospitals.
Punjab Chief Minister Najam Sethi has declared a war on measles, saying that anti-measles measure must be adopted on war footing. He said arrangements for special campaign to be launched from April 29, have been finalised.
He said that campaign for prevention from measles would begin in 150 union councils simultaneously and 1,500 mobile teams have been formed for vaccination of children during the campaign. He said that Punjab government was fully aware of the situation and all-out efforts would be made to save children from measles.
He said that public awareness would be promoted regarding preventive measures and treatment of measles and cooperation of print and electronic media would also be acquired for this purpose.  He said that helpline 0800-99000 has been fully activated and citizens could acquire guidance from this facility. The chief minister directed health authorities to spare no effort for saving the children from measles and their treatment as no laxity would be tolerated.
Campaign
Punjab Health Secretary Arif Nadeem has said that special anti-measles drive would be launched in Lahore from April 29 to May 5.
Chairing a meeting held to review arrangements for special anti-measles drive, he said that more than three million children, from 6 months to 10 years of age, will be administered measles vaccine’s injections. Additional Secretary Health (Tech) Dr Anwar Janjua, Additional Secretary Health Establishment Asfand Yaar Khan, Director General Health Dr Tanveer Ahmed, EDO Health Lahore Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Medical Superintendents of government hospitals and Principals of all nursing schools attended the meeting.
Secretary Health directed the Medical Superintendents and Principals of government hospitals and nursing schools to provide lists of vaccinators according to the allotted numbers. He directed the vaccination staff to discharge their duties with full dedication with a spirit of national responsibility. He said that 100 per cent attendance of vaccinating staff must be ensured.
He warned that no negligence and leniency would be tolerated. He said that special incentive would also be provided to the duty staff.
Dr Anwar Janjua informed the meeting that 900 workers would be deputed throughout Lahore at UC level. He said that the relevant staff would be provided by government hospitals and nursing schools.
He said that on 27th April, special training would also be imparted to the vaccinators. He said that Lahore was the worst affected district and unfortunately, maximum cases of measles have occurred here.
MOOT
Samanabad Town Administrator Asfand Yar Baloch presided over a sitting on the deadly disease. Town officials and NGO workers attended the moot.
Programme Director Health Dr Ziaudding, addressing the participants, said the basic reason for the spread was poor arrangements of cleanliness. He said that in case of symptoms of measles like flu, cough and watery eyes, the children should immediately be brought to the hospitals so that their life could be saved through timely treatment. He advised that in case of measles, the children should not be covered with blanket. The children should be worn loose cloths and kept them away from other children in an airy room.
Later, a walk for creating awareness among the masses was arranged which started from the office of Samanabad Town and culminated at second roundabout Samanabad.
Pamphlets about preventive measures against measles were also distributed among pedestrians and shopkeepers during the walk. Moreover, Administrator Samanabad Town Asfand Yar Baloch also distributed pamphlets about preventive measures against measles among secretaries of all union councils of Samanabad and directed them to distribute these pamphlets in houses of their respective union councils. The government and non-governmental organisations has been up to cope with the challenge confronting after the outbreak of the deadly disease.