Influenza counters will set up across Punjab, Minister Healthcare

Punjab Minister for Primary & Secondary Health Khawaja Imran Nazir has directed that influenza counters H1, N1 should immediately be installed in all DHQ and THQ hospitals of the province for the guidance of patients of seasonal influenza. He also directed that guidelines already circulated by the department to the hospitals should also be circulated to all healthcare providers including private general practitioners.
He stated this while presiding over a meeting to review the situation of seasonal influenza, Congo and dengue in Punjab and steps taken for the control of the diseases at Primary & Secondary Health Department, here today. Besides Secretary Health Ali Jan Khan, Director General Health Dr. Faisal Zahoor, Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Asim Altaf, Additional Secretary Vertical Programs Dr. Sadain Khalid, Deputy Secretary Technical Dr. Yadullah, Program Manager Mother & Child Health Department Dr. Mukhtar Hussain Syed and other concerned officers attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed the situation after occurrence of a case of H1, N1 seasonal influenza in Lahore. Kh. Imran Nazir directed that a mass awareness campaign to be launched in local media (print & electronic) apart from provincial campaign by DG HS. The Minister further directed that banners regarding awareness messages of seasonal influenza to be placed at prominent places of all the hospitals. He directed that H1, N1 influenza shall be put at top agenda in next conference of medical superintendents.
The updated status of Congo Crimean hemorrhagic fever was also discussed in detail and it was decided to enhance already ongoing media campaign against prevention of Congo fever, especially keeping in view the massive cattle movement due to the Eid ul Azha. The Minister directed that CEOs Health should remain in close liaison with Livestock Department and guidelines to be implemented in letter and spirit. He directed that doctors, nurses and other staff deputed for the treatment of Congo patients must have personal protective gears.
The meeting also reviewed the dengue situation in the province. It was observed with sign of relief that dengue situation is under control in whole Punjab. The probable effect of dengue in KPK at adjoining districts was also discussed. It was decided to direct the Chief Executive Officers of Health of adjoining districts of KPK like Rawalpindi to be more vigilant about dengue control with all preparations. The Minister directed to hold video link with all CEOs about these three top priority issues for effective control on these diseases. Kh. Imran Nazir made it clear that no leniency would be tolerated to check these viral diseases.