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Dengue Cases Surge in Rawalpindi, 58 New Patients Admitted

On Tuesday, Rawalpindi witnessed a significant surge in dengue cases, with 58 new patients admitted to three government hospitals, raising the total number of cases this season to 779.

The sharp increase has put pressure on local health authorities, who are battling to contain the outbreak and provide adequate care to the growing number of affected residents.

According to health officials, the newly admitted patients are receiving treatment at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and tehsil headquarters hospitals. These facilities have now dedicated a significant portion of their resources to managing the ongoing dengue crisis, as the city grapples with one of the most severe outbreaks in recent years.

Rising Cases Strain Healthcare System

The majority of the newly admitted dengue patients come from a variety of neighborhoods, including Chak Jalaldin, Lakkhan, Gulistan Colony, Lane 4 Peshawar Road, Chaklala Scheme-III, Chaudhry Bostan Khan Road, Khanna Dak, Asghar Mall Scheme, Jamia Masjid Road, Dhoke Dalal, Dhoke Mangtal, Pirwadhai Mor, Morah Noori, and Takhat Pari.

These areas have been identified as dengue hotspots, where mosquito larvae have been found in abundance, exacerbating the spread of the virus.

Currently, there are 201 dengue patients under treatment in Rawalpindi’s main hospitals, with the healthcare infrastructure struggling to cope with the influx of new cases. The sudden spike has raised concerns about the city’s preparedness in managing such outbreaks, highlighting the need for more proactive measures and coordinated efforts among various departments to combat the disease.

In response to the escalating crisis, a team of 16 dengue experts from the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare department arrived in Rawalpindi, following the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Their arrival underscores the urgency with which the provincial government is addressing the dengue epidemic.

Government Response and Intervention Efforts

Secretary of Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Nadia Saqib, accompanied the expert team to inspect multiple areas across the city. The team’s objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-dengue measures currently in place, including the coverage of identified hotspots and the presence of mosquito larvae in residential areas.

The team’s visit follows a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister’s Adviser on Health, retired Major General Dr. Azhar Mehmood Kayani. During the meeting, which took place at the deputy commissioner’s office, concerns were raised about the lack of collaboration between allied departments in the anti-dengue campaign. Dr. Kayani emphasized the need for strict action against any department that fails to cooperate, noting that an intensified campaign is essential for curbing the outbreak.

“Strict action will be taken against departments that do not collaborate in the anti-dengue campaign,” Dr. Kayani stated. “The campaign must be intensified, and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all departments is critical in addressing this health emergency.”

Nadia Saqib further echoed these sentiments, stressing that the performance of all involved departments would be assessed in the upcoming Cabinet Committee meeting on Anti-Dengue. She also expressed confidence that the city would achieve full coverage of dengue hotspots within the next 48 hours, signaling a coordinated effort to prevent further spread of the virus.

Next Steps: Surveillance and Accountability

In addition to outlining the immediate response measures, Secretary Saqib also directed the Punjab Information Technology Board to maintain daily records of dengue-related operations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the efforts to combat the disease. All departments were urged to extend their full cooperation with the district administration, which is leading the city’s response to the outbreak.

The ongoing anti-dengue campaign includes a combination of indoor and outdoor surveillance, with teams deployed to monitor high-risk areas for mosquito breeding grounds. Larvicidal treatment and fumigation efforts are being ramped up, and the availability of essential medicines is being closely monitored to ensure that hospitals are well-equipped to treat the growing number of patients.

The situation in Rawalpindi remains critical, with health officials and residents anxiously awaiting the results of the intensified anti-dengue measures. As the city braces for more potential cases in the coming days, the pressure is on for local authorities to ensure that the outbreak is brought under control before it spirals further.

The dengue epidemic in Rawalpindi is a stark reminder of the importance of sustained efforts in public health and environmental management. While the arrival of expert teams and the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis offer some hope, the outcome will depend largely on the continued cooperation between health authorities, allied departments, and the public.

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