LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced a fixed fee of Rs90 for CBC tests in all laboratories across the province for dengue patients, in anticipation of an outbreak of the disease following heavy rainfall.

Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare and Population Welfare Dr Jamal Nasir said that a notification has been issued to establish the new fee.

Private hospitals and laboratories have been instructed to provide a 35 percent discount on PCR and other necessary tests for deserving patients.

The minister said the health department has employed over 1,500 new workers for anti-dengue activities. The minister said these workers should be trained and ensure their active presence in the field.

Furthermore, all private housing schemes have been instructed to hire sanitary workers according to their size and conduct anti-dengue activities within their respective jurisdictions.

Heads of government departments are required to provide certificates stating that dengue SOPs are being followed in their offices and residences, and that these premises are free of dengue larvae.

Dr Nasir instructed the health department’s field teams to increase dengue surveillance during the monsoon season to prevent the breeding of dengue mosquitoes. He emphasized the importance of continued public support in these efforts.

He highlighted the seriousness of dengue fever and stated that preventing mosquito breeding is the only solution. Weekly meetings will be held at district and tehsil levels to monitor dengue activities, and an awareness campaign involving scholars and teachers will be initiated to engage the public.

The officers concerned have been directed to prioritize hotspots, such as open spaces, parks, graveyards, and containers, in efforts to combat the breeding of dengue larvae.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2023