Punjab intensifies anti-dengue drive

The Cabinet Committee on Infectious Diseases, Dengue and Disaster Management on Tuesday directed authorities to intensify anti-dengue measures across Punjab, with special focus on districts identified as high-risk areas

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jun, 2026) The Cabinet Committee on Infectious Diseases, Dengue and Disaster Management on Tuesday directed authorities to intensify anti-dengue measures across Punjab, with special focus on districts identified as high-risk areas.

The meeting was jointly chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir. Secretary Health and Population, CEOs Health and representatives of allied departments attended in person, while commissioners, deputy commissioners, health officials and medical experts joined via video link.

The committee reviewed the latest dengue situation across the province, assessed ongoing prevention and control measures, and examined the implementation of decisions taken during its previous meeting.

Addressing the participants, Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the need to accelerate field surveillance and improve monitoring mechanisms. He said controlling dengue was a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and departments, warning that fake or paper-based surveillance would not be tolerated. “The public should ensure cleanliness in homes, shops and workplaces, while authorities must take effective measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” he said, adding that improved treatment facilities were being provided to dengue patients in specialized hospitals. He warned that strict action would be taken against officials showing bogus performance in the field.

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Khawaja Imran Nazir directed health CEOs to remain in close coordination with district administrations and continue anti-dengue operations on an emergency footing. He noted that significant success had been achieved during last year’s anti-dengue campaign and urged officials to adopt the same proactive approach this season.

The minister announced plans to involve university and college students in anti-dengue activities, saying community participation was essential to controlling the disease. He added that cooperative housing societies would also be required to monitor dengue-related activities in their respective areas.

On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, dengue surveillance and monitoring would be carried out throughout the province. The minister instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to personally oversee larva detection activities and ensure that no water was allowed to accumulate at construction sites.

He further directed that data on confirmed dengue patients be updated promptly to facilitate timely decision-making and effective response measures. Indoor and outdoor surveillance, third-party validation of field activities and priority logistical support for anti-dengue operations were also ordered.

The committee stressed that no negligence by any department would be tolerated during the dengue season and expressed confidence that proactive measures taken in June and July would yield positive results in controlling the disease.