KP capable of dealing with dengue virus: CM

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has said the provincial government is capable of dealing with dengue virus.

This he said while addressing a public meeting at the residence of Member Provincial Assembly Yasin Khalil, who belongs to the area affected by dengue virus, and also chairing a meeting on the issue at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, said an official handout.

Senior Minister Inayatullah, Health Minister Shahram Tarakai, Additional Chief Secretary Azam Khan, Head of Strategic Support Unit Sahibzada Saeed, officials of Health Department, directors of teaching hospitals attended the meeting.

“There is no scarcity of funds, medicines and doctors. Right from the detection of this epidemic, I am personally monitoring the situation. We do not believe in point-scoring. Our sole aim is to work selflessly to serve the masses,” he added.

The chief minister expressed his concern that the Punjab government sent its medical team but did not bother to contact Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, saying exploiting such sensitive issue was highly deplorable.

Pervez Khattak said the government of Punjab handled the dengue virus in Punjab in a span of almost three years.

“If they had a magic, they should have shared with us. It was their moral obligation to share their expertise on humanitarian grounds to help the affected people instead of exploiting the situation for political gains,” he added.

The chief minister directed the quarters concerned to devise a long-term strategy to deal with dengue virus, possible spread of Congo virus or any other viral diseases.

He also announced Rs500,000 for each dengue victim.

Pervez Khattak appealed to the masses to adopt preventive measures, keep their environment clean. He said government has already launched an awareness campaign in the print and electronic media to create awareness among the general public.

The chief minister warned the Health staff that no leniency would be tolerated in this regard.

He appealed the masses to demonstrate patience as the government is making all-out efforts for the dengue patients. He said that dengue virus control will take time and it would be fully eradicated only after the end of summer season.

The chief minister appealed to the masses to fully cooperate with the provincial government and pay no heed to the rumours so as to control this epidemic as soon as possible.

Pervez Khattak on this occasion prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased persons and early recovery of the dengue patients.  He also went to the residence of female victim of dengue who expired the other day and condoled with his father.

The public meeting was also addressed by Shahram Tarakai and MPA Yasin Khalil. The deputy commissioner on this occasion highlighted steps taken so far to control dengue virus.