CM orders steps to ward off Congo virus

Says no room for protest politics

LAHORE

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the Punjab government will benefit from the experience and expertise of Turkey with regard to protective measures against Congo virus, case management system and training of medical staff.

The chief minister was presiding over a meeting, here Friday, which was given a briefing by Director General Ministry of Health Turkey Dr Oner Guner on preventive measures against Congo virus, case management system, training of medical staff and the role of Institute of Public Health. 

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that healthcare system of Turkey was very efficient and organised. He said the experience of Turkey would also be utilised in reforms in healthcare system. He said Turkey had improved its healthcare system through comprehensive reforms and the healthcare system of Punjab would also be uplifted for the provision of the best health services. He said immediate measures would be taken in Punjab on the model of Turkish healthcare system. He said that full benefit would be taken from the experience of Turkey for the provision of treatment facilities to the citizens and all-out measures would be taken for prevention from Congo virus. He said training of medical staff was essential for case management system; therefore, the existing laboratory would also be upgraded and modernised. He said it was time for practical efforts and adopt the procedure evolved for this purpose.

The chief minister said that in view of Eid-ul-Azha, Livestock Department should also carry out surveillance of cattle in an effective manner. He said service to ailing humanity was a form of worship and those not paying attention to their responsibilities in this regard had no right to stay on their posts. He said failure of departments concerned in adopting preventive measures against Congo virus and devising case management system was lamentable.

He said it was unfortunate that Institute of Public Health and Directorate General Health Services were also laying the responsibility of up-gradation of the lab for diagnostic tests on each other. He said this state of affairs would not be allowed to continue and every institution would have to give results. He expressed indignation over unsatisfactory answers of Dean Institute of Public Health and DG Health Services and said three precious lives had been lost due to Congo virus and the authorities concerned had not been able to determine the responsibility of the laboratory. He said had these officials shown a responsible attitude, not only the laboratory would have been upgraded but no human life would have been lost. 

Shahbaz Sharif said that full benefit would be taken from the expertise of Turkey in the improvement of cleanliness system in hospitals and disposal of hospital waste. 

Director General Turkish Health Ministry Dr Oner Guner said he had come to Pakistan on special instructions of his leadership and would work with the Punjab government for prevention from Congo virus and improvement of healthcare system. 

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif has said there is no room for politics of protest or chaos in the country and it is lamentable that some elements are trying to hinder the journey towards development and prosperity. He was talking to parliamentarians of various districts who called on him, here Friday. The chief minister said the process of national development and prosperity was continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the agenda of progress and prosperity of the masses was being speedily implemented.