Minister directs to intensify anti-dengue measures amid monsoon concerns

RAWALPINDI, Apr 06 (APP): Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Khawaja Salman Rafique on Monday directed authorities to intensify anti-dengue measures across Rawalpindi Division ahead of the expected early monsoon season.

The directions were issued during a high-level meeting which was attended by Member National Assembly Tahira Aurangzeb, Member Provincial Assembly Ziaullah Shah, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Amir Khattak and deputy commissioners of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Murree and Rawalpindi, along with heads of allied departments.

The minister emphasized strict enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs), warning that negligence in anti-dengue activities would pose serious risks and invite legal action.

He directed authorities to ensure an integrated system for indoor and outdoor surveillance, particularly focusing on high-risk areas such as junkyards and graveyards.

Highlighting the importance of proactive measures, he stressed that field activities must be strengthened with improved third-party validation instead of relying on office-based monitoring.

He also instructed that hospitals must ensure availability of necessary medicines and treatment facilities, adding that saving human lives should remain the top priority.

The minister further directed that awareness campaigns be intensified, encouraging the use of mosquito repellents and dissemination of preventive messages through educational institutions and community platforms.

Health officials briefed the meeting that only one dengue case had been reported in Rawalpindi till date during the running year. It was briefed that awareness campaigns involving students and volunteers were already underway.

Speaking on the occasion, Tahira Aurangzeb called for activation of dedicated dengue wards in Murree to manage patient load locally during peak season and reduce pressure on Rawalpindi hospitals.

Authorities also informed that awareness messages regarding cleanliness and dengue prevention were being regularly announced in mosques in coordination with the Auqaf Department.