No let-up in dengue cases; 126 new patients in Punjab

LAHORE:The Punjab Health Department on Thursday confirmed a sharp rise in dengue cases, with 126 new infections recorded across the province in the last 24 hours.

Among these, Rawalpindi reported the highest number, with 107 cases, followed by Lahore with six, Gujranwala with three, and two cases each from Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Attock. Single cases were also reported from Jhelum, Kasur, Multan, and Mandi Bahauddin. This surge brings the total number of dengue infections in Punjab to 528 over the past week, raising the province’s total cases for 2024 to 1,371.

A spokesperson from the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department assured the public that hospitals are well-prepared with adequate medicines and treatments to combat the virus. In light of the growing number of cases, the Health Department has issued an advisory encouraging the public to maintain clean and dry surroundings to curb the spread of dengue. Citizens are urged to cooperate with health teams actively working to control the outbreak.

A free helpline (1033) has also been provided for individuals seeking treatment, information, or wishing to register complaints. Health officials emphasised the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in containing the virus across the province.

‘Reforms to improve nursing sector’

Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said the Punjab Health Department is bringing reforms to improve nursing department. Speaking at a meeting of Special Investment Facilitation Council in the Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education, the minister said nursing is the backbone of the health system.

“We are trying to produce master trainers during nursing training. We are ensuring the use of clean blood for the treatment of patients in government hospitals. “According to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, we are trying to provide better health facilities to people,” the minister said.

Special Secretary Development Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Dr Adnan Khan, Deputy Secretary Dr Abdul Rehman, Section Officer Dr Fatima and through video link Secretary Health Sindh and officers of other departments including Pharma Bureau participated in the meeting.