Lahore:
In Punjab, data collection on pneumonia patients has begun and the chief executives of district health authorities have been directed to take immediate action in this regard.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Health Care Dr Jamal Nasir told media on Thursday, adding that sample collection has also begun in view of complaints about fake pneumonia drugs.
He said children's immunizations also include pneumonia vaccines. He urged parents to vaccinate their children to protect them from pneumonia.
He expressed concern about the deaths of children suffering from pneumonia and said children must be fully vaccinated to ensure their health and safety.
D Nasir said that pneumonia diagnosis and treatment facilities are available free of charge in all government hospitals in Punjab.
He said precautions should be taken to protect children from diseases.
He urged parents to dress their young children in warm clothing and avoid going outside in cold weather.
read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452942/pneumonia-outbreak
CT Scan Outsourcing
Punjab Health Minister Ali Jan Khan has agreed to outsource CT scanning services in government tertiary care hospitals.
He said that under the agreement, the company will provide 24-hour CT scan facility to patients at government teaching hospitals.
The company will also be responsible for maintaining the hospital's CT scan machines.
In response to the surge in pneumonia cases in Punjab, the administering state government has declared a suspension of nurseries and playgroup classes for seven days up to grade one. Morning assemblies have also been banned in schools across Punjab until January 31.
The prevalence of viral pneumonia is increasing, especially in children, due to cold weather.
It is noteworthy that the 22-day winter vacation in Punjab, including Lahore, has ended and educational activities have resumed in all public and private schools from today.
Health experts have warned that the persistent thick smog across Punjab is posing a real threat to the health of citizens as air pollution rates are increasing at an alarming rate, resulting in a variety of diseases including chest infections and pneumonia.
The doctor advised that pneumonia is undoubtedly a dangerous respiratory health infection and with increasing levels of air pollution, it can become a major problem. In foggy weather, the risk of developing severe respiratory diseases such as pneumonia doubles and the risk of death also increases, so citizens must stay indoors.
The expert also suggested getting enough rest, drinking warm drinks, taking steam baths, using a humidifier in the house to ensure moisture in the air, and consulting a doctor in a timely manner.
Symptoms of pneumonia begin with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Not only are adults susceptible to pneumonia, but children and the elderly can also be affected.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Health said that it has not yet released data on deaths due to pneumonia and that it will start collecting pneumonia-related data from today (Friday) in accordance with government agencies.
Published in The Express Tribune on January 12Day2024.