DCs told to spring into action to check spread of dengue

Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah on Wednesday conducted surprise visits to major hospitals of Karachi, including the Civil Hospital Karachi, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and 50-Bedded Sindh Government Hospital Shah Faisal, to review the arrangements for dengue patients.

Officials said that during his visit to the Civil Hospital Karachi, the chief secretary expressed displeasure over the absence of a designated dengue ward in the hospital. He also visited the pathology laboratory and other medical facilities, reviewing the availability of medicines, beds, and diagnostic services for dengue patients.

He directed the hospital administration to immediately establish a dedicated dengue ward and further improve the medical facilities for patients. Chief Secretary Shah also instructed the deputy commissioner to take strict action against encroachments and illegal parking around the hospital premises to ensure smooth access for patients and ambulances.

Later, the he visited the Sindh Government Hospital Shah Faisal, where he inspected the dengue ward and reviewed available healthcare facilities. He directed the deputy commissioner Korangi to submit a comprehensive report on the hospital’s requirements, maintenance, and repair (M&R) needs, ensuring all necessary facilities are provided.

He also visited Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where he reviewed the arrangements for dengue patients and inspected the dengue ward. During the visit, he was briefed by heads of departments about the ongoing dengue situation and the number of patients being treated. It was informed that only a limited number of dengue patients required hospital admission, while most cases were mild and managed with outpatient treatment.

Surprisingly, no dengue patients were found admitted in the dengue ward of the JPMC, one of city’s major public hospitals, while only four dengue patients were under treatment at the Civil Hospital Karachi. The hospital administrations said that around 16 to 17 dengue patients visit the hospitals daily, and most of them receive treatment without requiring hospital admission.

Chief Secretary Shah noted that there exists a communication gap between the actual dengue data and media reports, emphasizing the need for the Health Department to strengthen its communication strategy and share accurate, timely information with the public.

He further directed all deputy commissioners and the local government department to focus on cleanliness drives, elimination of mosquito-breeding sites, and preventive measures. Additionally, he instructed the information department to launch a province-wide media awareness campaign to educate citizens about dengue prevention and precautions.

Following his surprise visits to major hospitals in Karachi to inspect dengue treatment facilities, Chief Secretary Shah chaired an important meeting to review the overall dengue situation across the province. The meeting was attended by the secretary health, secretary local government, secretary information, director general PDMA, managing director Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, district health officers (DHOs), and municipal commissioners. During the meeting, all divisional commissioners presented detailed briefings on the ongoing fumigation drives, hotspot identification, and district-wise contingency plans for dengue prevention and control.

The CS directed all deputy commissioners to share fumigation and spray schedules with the public through media and social media to ensure transparency and public participation. He instructed the local government department and district administrations to conduct targeted operations in dengue hotspots and clear stagnant water from open areas and residential vicinities.

He emphasized that each district must submit documented reports with before-and-after photographs as proof of field action. The chief secretary also directed all municipal officers to immediately report to their deputy commissioners for coordination and rapid response. Shah instructed all DCs to establish an effective complaint redressal mechanism to ensure that public complaints regarding dengue are addressed on a priority basis.

During the meeting, the secretary health said the provincial health department has created a data linkage system with all laboratories across Sindh, enabling real-time tracking of dengue cases. The department will now share daily dengue case data through the Sindh Information Department for public awareness.

He said that 219 dedicated beds have been allocated for dengue patients in Karachi, while arrangements have been made in all districts for diagnosis and treatment. The CS instructed the Health Department to distribute dengue testing kits to all districts and to ensure testing and treatment facilities in rural health centers.

Commissioner Hyderabad Fayyaz Abbasi said 30 dengue hotspots have been identified in the Hyderabad Division. Daily morning and evening fumigation and spray drives are being conducted in these colonies.

He said 225 awareness sessions were organized in various neighborhoods, while 1,258 dengue tests were conducted, of which 587 were positive. Currently, 17 hospitals in Hyderabad have allocated 267 beds for dengue patients, with 209 patients under treatment. A total of 30 fumigation-related complaints were received through the control room, all of which have been addressed.

The CS directed the PDMA to provide additional fumigation machines, mosquito nets, and dengue testing kits to Hyderabad and other high-risk districts. He also instructed all DCs to ensure availability of beds, medicines, and testing facilities in dengue wards.

He emphasized that only a coordinated inter-departmental effort coupled with public awareness and timely field response can effectively curb the spread of dengue. He directed all departments to maintain strict vigilance, intensify preventive measures, and ensure round-the-clock monitoring to safeguard public health.