LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif officially launched an anti-dengue campaign in the city at Model Town Mor on Sunday.

The spread of disease would soon be brought under control due to effective strategy, guidance from experts and cooperation from the citizens, the CM said while distributing dengue pamphlets among the citizens along with students at the launch ceremony.

Talking on the occasion, the CM said that all possible medical facilities were being provided to the dengue patients in the hospitals whereas all town emergency committees had been given the authority of carrying out anti-dengue sprays and other necessary steps in their respective localities. He said that anti-dengue sprays in houses were of immense importance and a coordinated programme had been chalked out for this purpose. A programme has also been evolved for importing medicines from India and Sri Lanka, he added.

Replying to a question by media representative regarding provision of free medical facilities to dengue patients in private hospitals, the CM said that free medical facilities would now be provided both in government as well as private hospitals. A committee consisting of elected representatives was also devising a strategy by holding talks with the owners of private hospitals in this regard, he added.

He said that all segments of society, including NGOs and private hospitals, were also being included in the on-going campaign for eradication of dengue.

The CM, while encouraging students for their active participation, himself distributed dengue-related pamphlets amongst the citizens and said that the information should be communicated to others as well.