Thu Sep 12 04:37:56 UTC 2024: ## Dengue Epidemic Looms in Punjab as Government Downplays Severity

**Lahore, Pakistan:** Widespread concerns have been raised about a potential dengue epidemic in Punjab, as reports suggest the provincial government is downplaying the severity of the situation. While official figures report only a handful of dengue cases daily, medical professionals on the ground report a surge in patients displaying dengue-like symptoms.

According to the Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), general practitioners are seeing a staggering 70-80% of their patients with dengue symptoms. This stark contrast with official numbers has led to accusations of the health authorities misleading the government.

“We have 12,000 GPs registered across Punjab, and they are seeing a record number of dengue patients,” stated Dr. Tariq Mian, PAFP president. “The health authorities are ignoring the data, which suggests a potential epidemic.”

Experts criticize the current government’s lack of a proactive approach, highlighting the successful efforts of the previous administration led by Shehbaz Sharif in combating previous dengue outbreaks. A dedicated Dengue Expert Advisory Group was established and stringent measures were implemented, including daily anti-dengue meetings and door-to-door campaigns to prevent mosquito breeding.

Prof. Javed Akram, Punjab’s former caretaker health minister, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of prevention and a coordinated response from various departments to prevent the spread of dengue. He expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive door-to-door campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, particularly after recent heavy rains.

Despite the growing concern, the Punjab health minister, Khwaja Salman Rafique, has assured the public that the department will ensure accurate reporting of dengue cases. He acknowledged that underreporting could hinder efforts to combat the disease and has called for a review of the situation.

The Punjab government faces increasing pressure to address the potential dengue epidemic head-on, as experts warn that underreporting could lead to a catastrophic situation. With the growing number of dengue cases, the public is left questioning the government’s ability to effectively address this public health crisis.

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