FAISALABAD: The Pakistan Medical Association has rejected a five-member committee formed by the district government to investigate the outbreak of chickenpox which killed 14 people during the last 52 days.

PMA Punjab Vice President Dr Mohammad Irfan, who is serving at the Allied Hospital medicine department, said formation of the committee was tantamount to concealing the facts as the district government was allegedly responsible for the negligence which led to the outbreak of the disease.

“It’s ridiculous that the officials serving under the district administration will investigate the reasons for this outbreak,” he said.

The committee comprises district health officer (preventive services), paediatrician Dr. Saleemullah Butt of Government General Hospital, Samanabad, paediatrician Dr Inaam Jillani of Chak Jhumra Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and district surveillance coordinator Dr Saqib Munir.

From March 1 to April 21, as many as 14 people -- seven in each month -- died of chickenpox at the Allied Hospital. As many as 50 patients have been brought to the hospital since April 1 till Saturday.

Following the increase in the number of patients, Faisalabad District Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Nawazish formed a committee on Friday to ascertain the reasons for chickenpox outbreak.The committee will investigate the reason for the outbreak of chickenpox in Faisalabad and submit its report to the health authority CEO within two days.

Dr Irfan said: “The formation of the committee is similar to the Panama decision that subordinates have been directed to probe allegations against their seniors.”

He said it was the duty of the district government officials to control epidemic diseases like chickenpox, cholera, gastroenteritis etc. “However, the officials have failed to do so and now a committee has been formed for investigation into the outbreak which seems to be an eyewash.”

He said the inquiry must be conducted through the representatives of PMA, YDA, MTA and from PMC community medicine department.

“The point of concern for us this time is that majority of the chickenpox patients are adults although the disease is common in children. We will have to investigate as to why adults became victim of the disease in large numbers this year,” he said.

Sensing the gravity of the outbreak, the district government displayed banners informing people about symptoms of the disease and what precautionary measures masses should adopt after the disease.

Besides, the Punjab directorate general (health services) is also running ads in a section of the print media.

Following the objections of the PMA, deputy commissioner Salman Ghani, who is also the administrator of the health authority, and health authority CEO Dr Nawaz were contacted for their versions, but both did not respond to text messages.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2017