LAHORE, Nov 1: Punjab Health Minister Dr Tahir Ali Javed has expressed the hope that the mosquitoes causing dengue fever will be eliminated in two to three weeks with the increase in intensity of winter.

The minister told newsmen here on Wednesday that 48 dengue cases had been reported in Punjab so far. He claimed the department had made arrangements for dengue fever test at Institute of Public Health (IPH), Jinnah and Mayo hospitals free of cost.

He said diagnostic kits could also be imported to meet the requirement.

Dr Tahir said the department had ensured the availability of medicines in all public sector teaching, DHQ and THQ hospitals.

The government would encourage NGOs for conducting awareness seminars and symposiums.

Earlier, addressing a dengue fever awareness seminar organised by the Pakistan Society of Family Physicians, he urged doctors to create awareness among masses.

He said the director health services had been appointed focal person for prevention and control of dengue fever. He would be responsible for a liaison with all the medical superintendents of all the public hospitals and EDOs (health) in this regard.

PSFP president Aftab Iqbal Sheikh, general secretary Tariq Mahmood, Prof Dr Javed Akram, Prof Dr Shamshad Rasool and Dr Hammad Rasool also spoke.

Meanwhile, three more cases of dengue fever were confirmed in the city by the Shaikh Zayed Hospital administration here on Wednesday. The total number of confirmed cases in the city has now risen to seven.

A SZH spokesman said that hospital was providing complete treatment to the patients and they were recovering. He denied a report that one of its employee had contracted the virus.