Dengue Cases Surge in Rawalpindi
On Tuesday, 58 new dengue patients were admitted to three government hospitals in Rawalpindi, bringing the total number of cases this season to 779. Currently, 201 patients are being treated in Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and tehsil headquarters hospitals.
The majority of the new patients come from areas like Chak Jalaldin, Lakkhan, Gulistan Colony, Lane 4 Peshawar Road, Chaklala Scheme-III, Chaudhry Bostan Khan Road, Khanna Dak, Asghar Mall Scheme, Jamia Masjid Road, Dhoke Dalal, Dhoke Mangtal, Pirwadhai Mor, Morah Noori, and Takhat Pari.
A team of 16 dengue experts from Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare arrived in Rawalpindi on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s instructions to address the situation. Secretary of Primary and Secondary Healthcare Nadia Saqib, along with the team, inspected several areas to evaluate the effectiveness of dengue teams, coverage of hotspots, and presence of larvae.
In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister’s Adviser on Health retired Major General Dr Azhar Mehmood Kayani, concerns were raised about the lack of cooperation from allied departments. Kayani emphasized, “Strict action will be taken against departments that do not collaborate in the anti-dengue campaign,” and called for intensified efforts and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Nadia Saqib stated that the upcoming Cabinet Committee meeting on Anti-Dengue will assess the performance of all departments involved. She assured that full coverage of dengue hotspots will be achieved within the next 48 hours. The secretary also instructed the Punjab Information Technology Board to maintain daily records of dengue-related operations and urged all departments to cooperate fully with the district administration.
The meeting also discussed team performance, response measures, indoor and outdoor surveillance efforts, and medicine availability.
Doubts Revealed
Dengue -: Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. It can make people very sick with high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes.
Rawalpindi -: Rawalpindi is a city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It is known for its historical sites and is close to the capital city, Islamabad.
Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare -: This is a government department in the Punjab province of Pakistan. They work to keep people healthy by providing medical services and controlling diseases.
Secretary Nadia Saqib -: Nadia Saqib is a high-ranking official in the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare department. She helps lead efforts to control diseases like dengue.
Chief Minister’s Adviser on Health -: This is a person who gives advice to the Chief Minister, the head of the government in a province, about health issues. Dr Azhar Mehmood Kayani is the current adviser.
Cabinet Committee -: A Cabinet Committee is a group of important government officials who meet to discuss and make decisions on specific issues, like health or safety.
Hotspot coverage -: Hotspot coverage means focusing efforts on areas where dengue cases are most common to control the spread of the disease.