Lahore: In response to a surge in dengue cases, the Cabinet Committee on Prevention of Dengue, Infectious Diseases and Disaster Management took decisive action this Thursday to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing anti-dengue initiatives in Rawalpindi. The committee, witnessing shortcomings in cooperation from allied departments, has moved to hold accountable the officers showing negligence or lack of cooperation by reassigning them. The meeting was chaired by Provincial Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Khawaja Imran Nazir at the Civil Secretariat.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the committee reviewed the current dengue situation in the province, with a particular focus on Rawalpindi where the increase in cases has become alarming. Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman has tasked secretaries from relevant departments with monitoring duties, instructing them to visit and supervise anti-dengue measures in the affected areas.

During the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the necessity of full support and active field involvement from all allied departments to combat the spread of dengue. He highlighted the importance of adhering to established SOPs and increasing surveillance, especially in identified hotspots like Potohar town in Rawalpindi.

Khawaja Imran Nazir attributed the rise in dengue cases to recent heavy rainfall and expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from some departments. He stressed that senior officials, including commissioners and deputy commissioners, should lead anti-dengue activities personally and ensure the active participation of designated focal persons.

Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman directed an acceleration in larvae destruction efforts in Potohar town and emphasized the critical nature of the next 15 days for dengue control. He warned that any negligence in this crucial period would be unacceptable and ordered improvements in surveillance, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms.

The meeting also included a comprehensive briefing by Secretary Primary Health Nadia Saqib and saw participation from other secretaries, health officials, and regional commissioners and deputy commissioners via video link.