KARACHI: In view of the rise in Covid cases in Sindh, Health and Population Welfare Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has ordered the launch of an awareness campaign about precautionary measures, including wearing masks in public places and enhanced vaccination in the province.
She issued these directions during an online meeting with all the district health officers (DHOs) in the province. Health Secretary Zulfiqar Shah and Director General Dr Juman Bahoto were also present.
The minister said that because of the recent increase in Covid cases in the province, the health department has to be more vigilant and create awareness among the public about wearing masks and avoiding crowded places.
She said though the virus was not causing mortalities so far, the department should focus more on preventive measures.
Stressing the need for making immunisation a priority, she ordered the DHOs to identify hotspots in the province and ensure that vaccinators were working at their full capacity.
Dr Pechuho ordered the DHOs to also pay special attention to administration of the measles vaccine’s second dose to the vulnerable children.
She said surveillance has to be increased and the community immunisation status must be verified to know whether there was a risk of a disease outbreak or not.
Saying that the LHW programme was integral for the overall performance of the healthcare system, the minister said it should be ensured that the staffers were holding weekly meetings and completing their work plans.
She ordered proper use of the Rescue 1122 ambulance service and increased awareness about the launch of the facility in the province.
The minister said it is the responsibility of all DHOs to keep an eye on the medicines stock in their respective districts, and asked them to alert the health department in case of any shortage.
She said a monitoring and evaluation survey was being conducted by an independent party to gauge the gaps in primary care and maternal healthcare, asking the DHOs to fill these gaps.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the anti-rabies treatment protocol, she said in case of dog bite, the wounded area must be washed with soap and water first and then the patient be taken to the nearest facility for the anti-rabies injection.
Dr Pechuho also ordered increased awareness about hygienic and fresh food, and asked the health department to stay prepared to treat waterborne diseases.
