Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi directs formation of fact-finding body over dengue situation in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Monday directed the authority concerned to constitute a fact-finding committee over the issue of dengue which caused numerous deaths in Punjab.

While addressing the PA during the question hour related to Primary and Secondary Healthcare, the Speaker stated that the health sector suffered the most under Shahbaz Sharif rule. He added that it was PML-Q which had the credit of combating dengue in its tenure.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the figures of death caused by dengue, the Speaker stated that the information provided in this regard wasn’t true and called for the constituting of committee to come up with facts regarding the loss caused by dengue. The PA Speaker also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the present government in handling the dengue crisis and stated that most deaths due to this disease were caused in Rawalpindi but the deputy commissioner of Lahore was changed.

Pervaiz Elahi stated that proper fumigation wasn’t done in towns and villages nor proper measures were taken to handle the crisis.

Dr Yasmin Rashid, health minister, on the occasion, told the House that total 37 deaths were caused by dengue in Punjab till the receiving of the question and also added that the government had followed the protocol to combat dengue. She added that regular meetings were held in this regard since January. Dr Yasmin Rashid also voiced concern over the spread of hepatitis by barbers and called for the registration of saloons and barbers to control the disease. She also dispelled the impression that medicines for hepatitis were not being provided to the patients.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Iqbal, son of detained PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal, while talking to the media said that the institution of NAB was being pressurised to initiate action against Ahsan Iqbal, Mariyum Aurangzeb and Khawaja Asif.

He said that Ahsan Iqbal and his elders served the country, adding his father had a clean record as a politician which was even acknowledged by his rivals.