Dr Saeed Elahi Parliamentary Secretary Health in Punjab Assembly speaking during 30th session here on Friday rejected the notion that provincial government is doing politics on the issue of dengue virus and spread of epidemic. Speaking during the unified session of Punjab Assembly on spread of epidemic, he said that they would listen to the proposals of legislators and incorporate them in their efforts.
Parliamentary Secretary stated that in order to curb the disease provincial government has established a special task force for that. He averred that in each town of Lahore they have deputed Deputy District Health Officer to fight the dengue menace. Rejecting the notion that insecticides used in its campaign against dengue virus are of sub-standard, he said these are validly tested in laboratories before their use.
Dr Saeed Elahi dilating on facilities to curb the epidemic stated that free tests are available in Teaching, District Hospitals, Bacteriologist Centers and Institute of Public Health Lahore. Parliamentary Secretary Health further speaking of their efforts against dengue virus said that they have established ten Sample Collection Centers in nine towns of Lahore and that 2,000 patients benefited from it in two days, recently. Elahi speaking about virus spray said even in the houses they have done that.
Saeed Elahi said that in addition of having platelets facility in all the Teaching Hospitals, special wards have been established there. Parliamentary Health Secretary further stated that there are Cell Separator Machines in Jinnah Hospital, Children Hospital and LGH Hospital Lahore. Health Department has ordered additional 18 Cell Separator Machines, he added.
Speaking of tireless efforts of CM Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in fighting Dengue Fever, he said that he even asked private hospitals to provide free facilities in this regard and consequently 250 free centers have been established by private hospitals so far, he pointed.
Dr Saeed Elahi stated that Sri Lankan delegation that arrived recently has looked into the measures undertaken by the provincial government in fighting the epidemic. He said due to effective measures taken by health department, out of 5,000 patients, nine have only died, he pointed. Parliamentary Secretary Tourism Rana Arshad speaking in the debate asked president as well as the prime minister to stop their tours and join in the efforts against epidemic.
Deputy Leader PPP Shaukat Basra in the House asked that it is unfortunate that a full-fledged minister health is not there in the provincial cabinet. MPA Uzama Bokhari in the House complained that spray against dengue virus is not being done in certain areas. A legislator stated that out-worn damaged water pipes in certain areas are contributing to the epidemic. The Chair adjourned the House for two weeks later.