Joint efforts to control dengue fever stressed

LAHORE:Dengue fever is not only a medical concern but also a pressing social problem that requires collective actions. Citizens should keep their homes and surrounding environment clean and dry to safe from dengue virus.

Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, Punjab will be free from dengue and other infectious diseases. Awareness among the public is necessary to control dengue, medical experts, civil society and the media will have to play their full role in eradicating this disease.

Ameer Uddin Medical College/PGMI Principal Prof Farooq Afzal expressed these views while talking to patients and their attendants at the OPD, Lahore General Hospital (LGH) to raise public awareness about the prevention of dengue virus.

Farooq Afzal emphasised that women associated with the health and education sector should spread awareness about the prevention of dengue virus as well as other diseases and hygiene in their respective communities so that a healthy society can be created. This disease can be controlled only by following the principles of hygiene. He added that stakeholders, civil society and the media will have to play their positive role in creating awareness, so that people cannot only stay safe from diseases but also reduce the expenses incurred on treatment.

The principal said that according to the policy of the Punjab government, all medical facilities are being provided free-of-cost to patients in LGH, diagnostic tests and provision of medicines have also been ensured, the hospital administration is trying to solve the problems faced by the patients day and night and all resources are being utilized in this regard. He highlighted that effective measures have been taken by LGH to combat dengue. Prof Farooq said that fumigation will be ensured in LGH on a daily basis to protect healthcare professionals and citizens from the dengue virus.