Dr Yasmin warns Lahore at high risk of dengue outbreak

Speaking at a press conference, the minister said evidence of dengue larvae had been found in 71,000 households, the number of dengue patients in DHA is high, and rainfall increases the threat of dengue larvae spread.

At least 181 cases of dengue were reported from across Punjab during the last 24 hours and of these 131 cases were reported from Lahore alone.

Yasmin said as many 1,603 cases had been reported in Lahore followed by 208 in Rawalpindi, 20in Attock and 15 in Sargodha.

The minister said the dengue cases had witnessed an increase in the last 45 days because of change in weather.

She said separate counters have been set up at government hospitals for dengue patients.

The Health minister said Punjab hospitals were catering to dengue and COVID-19 patients simultaneously. She said, “Beds have been increased in High Dependency Units of Punjab.

In public sector hospitals of Lahore, 530 beds have been reserved for Dengue patients and 138 beds have been reserved in HDUs.

In Lahore, 190 patients are under treatment in public sector hospitals and 81 patients are admitted in private hospitals. The government has made timely arrangements to keep people safe from dengue.

Since January 2021, as many as 15 cabinet committee meetings have been held to review dengue situation in which besides Minister, Chief Secretary, Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners have been reviewing the situation.

Out of 8 million homes in Punjab, and 3.5 million homes in Lahore, most of these have been checked by surveillance teams. In Lahore 31,000 homes were identified vis-a-vis dengue larva.

Case response were initiated at 500,000 homes. The areas most affected by dengue are DHA, Cantt, Johar Town, Allama Iqbal Town. Secretary Primary and Secondary healthcare Department Imran Sikander Bloch has discussed with stakeholders measures to intensify surveillance in meeting with Corp Commander Lahore. In DHA, Health Department teams are working in collaboration with local administration.” 

Dr Yasmin Rashid further said, “In all public sector hospitals, adequate stock of medicines are available for treatment of dengue patients. We are providing free medicines for dengue patients in private hospitals. All private labs of Punjab shall charge only Rs90 for dengue tests across Punjab and a letter has already been issued.

This test can only be conducted on recommendation by a doctor. Separate dengue counters have been set up in all hospitals of Punjab. Treatment on a consistent protocol is being given to dengue patients. Dengue and corona patients are being kept in separate and isolated wards. Overall 747 beds have been reserved for Dengue patients."

"We are witnessing a decline in the fourth wave of the Corona Pandemic. In the last 24 hours, 524 Corona cases have been reported in Punjab and 24 patients have lost their lives.  More than 18,000 Corona tests have been performed in the last 24 hours."

"I want to congratulate our Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners for vaccinating such a large number of people. So far more than 47.5 million people have been vaccinated. Adequate stock of Corona vaccine is available in the province.

Currently 15 million doses of vaccine are available in stock. Overall 9000 fake entry cases have been identified after which 12 cases were filed and 16 people have been arrested. In total, 79 disciplinary proceedings were initiated resulting in suspension of a number of employees.

The NCOC has now changed its procedure. We are making all out efforts to prevent fake entries. There has been a decline in the number of Corona cases. In case, any amount is asked for treatment on these two diseases, people must report it to 1033.

Dengue control room has been set up at Mayo Hospital like COVID-19. People must contact 1122 in case of any query. Warning has been released for all departments. Denue is likely to affect indoors more than outdoors.

The minister appealed to the people to get vaccinated as early as possible. "By getting more people vaccinated we can return to normal life. People travelling abroad are being given Pfizer and Astra Zenica.” 

Responding to queries of journalists, the Health Minister said that teams of drug inspectors were investigating issue of medicine stocks and those responsible would be penalized.

She said these reports shall be made public. All government hospitals get funds worth billions for medicine procurement. However, she added, action will be initiated based on evidence.

Dr. Yasmin Rashid said action has already been taken on fake entry against staff responsible for entry of Nawaz Sharif. She added his fake entry was a conspiracy against the state to discredit the system.

"The federal Government is investigating this incident as well. Both secretaries were present on the spot for investigations and those involved in these conspiracies shall be exposed."

She further said the vaccination process has been appreciated the world over. She said the government was appointing MS in hospitals on regular basis. On complaints of equipment dysfunction, proper repair work was being initiated. 

Shedding light on the fake coronavirus vaccine entry in the name of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the health minister termed the matter a "big conspiracy".

"Authorities are probing the matter," she said and claimed 9,000 fake entries were made just like Nawaz's.