KARACHI, Nov 1: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that he has convened a meeting of all the agencies engaged in the civic affairs on Friday so that cantonment boards and other federal organisations are also activated in anti-mosquito spray campaign and other related matters alongside the city government.

He said this while presiding over at a high level meeting held here on Wednesday to review the steps taken by the government for the prevention and control of dengue virus. The meeting was attended by Federal Health Minister Dr Naseer Khan, Federal Health Secretary Anwar Mahmood, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Sindh Health Secretary Dr Naushad Shaikh and other officials.

The governor told the meeting that medicine for spray was available in abundant stocks. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure continuation of the fumigation campaign and impressed upon all local governments and citizens to make collective efforts for the clearing all areas from garbage, filth and pollutants under the ‘Clean Karachi Mission’.

He directed that a formal record of patients with dengue virus be maintained and spray and other protective measures be taken in the areas affected by the virus.

Dr Ibad said that on his request, the prime minister had withdrawn import duty on kits for lab test of VHF and now the same were available at lower prices.

On the occasion, the federal health minister and secretary assured the governor of all cooperation from the federal government in controlling the dengue spread.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal told the meeting that 70 fumigation machines had been carrying out spray in the city thrice a day. He said a complaint centres with toll free telephone number had also been set up with directives to respond immediate to any complaint regarding dengue virus.—APP