RAWALPINDI: As many as 16 dengue patients were reported in the three government-run hospitals on Sunday, taking the tally to 159 in the current season.

Last year, 335 patients surfaced in the district till September 8 whereas in 2022, 654 patients were reported during the same period. A total of 59 patients are admitted to the hospitals out of which 37 are confirmed dengue patients while reports of 22 others was awaited.

As many as 29 patients are under treatment in Holy Family Hospital, 21 patients were in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, one each in Kahuta and Kallar Syedan, while two patients were being treated in Kotli Sattian. Three patients were under treatment in Taxila while the remaining were admitted to private hospitals.

New patients arrived from Dhoke Naju, Eidgah, Amarpura, Bangash Colony, Gulistan Colony, Chishtiabad, Gangal, Fazal Town, Chaklala Scheme-III, Chak Jalaldin, Peshawar Road and adjoining areas.

Reviewing the anti-dengue campaign in a meeting, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said all possible measures were being taken to control dengue. He urged citizens to cooperate with the teams of the health department to prevent the spread of dengue.

Comparing with last year, he said 50pc less cases of dengue have been reported so far this year, adding that those violating the standard operating procedures were being fined and FIRs being registered against them.

Dr Cheema said if people support the government on the issue of dengue, the virus could be eradicated forever.

He said this year 11 spells of rains occurred in the garrison city, adding that in August heavy rain brought the temperature down, which was ideal for breeding of dengue larvae.

Therefore, he said it was the duty of all the departments to work together to protect people from this virus.

The deputy commissioner directed officials concerned to check tyre shops, junkyards, open plots and graveyards for dengue larvae. He said high-risk union councils should be cleaned and fogging carried out.

He said there was a dire need for coordination to avoid duplication of work. He said as per the SoPs issued by the Punjab government, work of all departments should be divided and completed on time.

He said available ambulances should be deputed in the high-risk union councils so that patients could be shifted to the nearest hospitals. He said clinic on wheels were working and related data would be shared on a daily basis with the Punjab government.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2024