Thu Sep 12 06:50:33 UTC 2024: ## Dengue Outbreak Looms in Punjab as Health Authorities Downplay Severity

**Lahore, Pakistan** – Concerns are mounting over a potential dengue epidemic in Punjab, as experts and medical professionals warn that the provincial government is underestimating the severity of the outbreak. While official reports claim only 20-25 dengue cases surface daily, general practitioners report a staggering 70-80% of their patients exhibiting dengue symptoms.

The Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) President Dr. Tariq Mian criticizes health authorities for misleading the government about the true extent of the dengue outbreak. He claims that the government’s response has been lax, failing to address the mounting threat.

Mian emphasizes that the current health setup has not learned from previous dengue outbreaks, particularly the 2011 epidemic that was effectively contained under the leadership of former Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The current government, he claims, has ignored vital information from general practitioners, who are directly interacting with patients at the grassroots level.

Prof. Javed Akram, Punjab’s former caretaker health minister, echoes these concerns, highlighting the importance of preventive measures. He warns that the recent heavy rains have significantly increased the risk of an epidemic and expresses disappointment at the lack of proactive measures taken by the government to curb mosquito breeding.

Acknowledging the alarming situation, a spokesperson for Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique assures that the department will take steps to ensure accurate reporting of dengue cases. The health minister has called for a meeting of the cabinet committee to review the situation and address the concerns raised by medical professionals.

The situation highlights the need for swift and decisive action from the Punjab government to combat the dengue threat. Experts urge a coordinated response from all relevant departments to ensure effective prevention and control of the potential epidemic.

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