the efforts of Micronutrient Initiative and Health Department for salt iodization in Punjab. He committed that legislation on compulsory salt iodization will be passed in upcoming session of Punjab Assembly.
Meanwhile, Kh Salman Rafiq said international anti-dengue day will be observed in Punjab on June15. The purpose of observing the day is to create maximum awareness among the masses against dengue. He was presiding over a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Dengue at Civil Secretariat, according to a handout. MNA Kiran Dar, MPAs Lubna Faisal and Pir Ashraf Rasool and others attended the meeting. Dr Zahid Pervaiz and representatives of federal government departments in Lahore were also present. Commissioners of Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi Divisions participated in the meeting through video link.
The meeting was informed that due to the increase in temperature the breeding of dengue larvae is reduced considerably and now dengue larvae is being reported in Lahore and Sheikhupura in a very limited numbers. It was informed that on the violation of dengue regulations in Lahore 108 FIRs have been registered whereas 18 persons were arrested. Chemical and biological methods are being used to eliminate dengue larvae. It was informed that Fisheries Department has stocked larvae eater fish in 273 water bodies in Lahore. It was informed that Dengue Expert Advisory Group has imparted training of doctors and nurses of private hospitals in clinical management. Another training programme will start from June 2 in which five master trainers would be trained from each district. Kh Salman Rafique directed that headmaster and principals of schools and colleges should be asked to visit their institutions twice a week during summer vacation for dengue surveillance and ensure that their institutions should not become dengue breeding spot during vacation. He said due to vigorous and consolidated efforts of government departments dengue is fully under control, however, all the stakeholders should continue their present struggle against dengue to control this menace in the coming season. He stressed the need of research on dengue on modern lines. He said Institute of Public Health should play its vital role in this regard.
During the meeting, the senior officers of Agriculture, Labour, Local Government, Auqaf, Transport, Fisheries, Housing and Urban Development, Higher Education, School Education, Social Welfare, Cooperatives, Rescue-1122, Special Branch, police, Wasa and other institutions briefed about the anti-dengue activities and indoor and outdoor surveillance. The officers of Wasa informed that publicity material is being published on the Wasa bills for the awareness of the citizens.
Kh Salman Rafique expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the government departments and directed to continue their efforts.