KARACHI, July 11: Keeping in view the threats to public health in case of monsoon rains, the health department of the city government has launched a programme which includes emergency measures, awareness campaigns and anti- pye dog drives.

Responding to decisions made in recent rain emergency plan meetings held under the chairmanship of DCO Shafiqur Rehman Paracha, the department has launched an awareness campaign regarding the precautions to be observed by the public in case of heavy rains.

According to details, banners will be hung all over the city and pamphlets distributed in different parts of Karachi. Since monsoon rains bring hot and humid weather, the growth of bacteria is very fast and food items decompose quickly and water becomes contaminated.

The guidelines are to use water after boiling and avoid intake of even slightly rotten food, besides other preventive measures. Similar instructions have been given to town health officers for necessary actions and launching of awareness campaigns in their respective areas.

The health department has also issued letters to all of its medical units to keep appropriate stocks of necessary medicines in this regard. The most immediate measure taken by the health department is the launching of an anti-pye dog drive scheduled to be held on the night between Friday and Saturday (12 and 13th).

Apart from the rising number of complaints from all parts of Karachi against stray dogs, serious health hazards can occur due to these animals in case of rains, since water accumulates in nearly all parts of Karachi after rains.

Thus, the health department has purchased more than 4000 strychnine (dog poison) capsules which are being distributed equally ( 200 capsules per town) for the drive.—PPI