Dr. Javed Akram, the Health Minister of Punjab, emphasized the importance of adopting preventive measures and exercising caution to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.
Under the auspices of the Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Society, a seminar on conjunctivitis was organized. During his address at the seminar, Dr. Akram stressed the significance of refraining from physical contact with affected individuals and avoiding the use of items used by them. Additionally, he encouraged adhering to domestic remedies to curb conjunctivitis.
Dr. Akram noted a shortage of medicines in the market due to the conjunctivitis outbreak, with eye medications being sold at inflated prices. He expressed his regret over profiteering through the sale of eye drops, emphasizing that no specific medication is tailored for conjunctivitis. He highlighted the possibility of preventing this infection through quarantine measures.
The Health Minister underscored that complete adherence to precautionary measures could not only mitigate conjunctivitis but also prevent dengue fever. He pointed out that while dengue fever is often considered a disease affecting children globally, Pakistan experiences cases in adults as well.
Dr. Akram emphasized that dengue fever is more prevalent in males in Pakistan. The country is currently grappling with various strains of dengue fever, posing significant challenges in terms of disease management.
He criticized political governments for distributing mosquito sprays, which, instead of benefiting people, led to increased resistance in mosquitoes. He highlighted the need for effective measures and stressed that the control of dengue fever requires more strategic planning than merely spraying insecticides.
Furthermore, Dr. Akram warned about the rapid spread of diseases globally, asserting that human deaths are now caused by viruses transmitted from animals to humans, surpassing casualties from wars. He emphasized the urgency of implementing robust health protocols to contain the spread of such diseases.
Dr. Javed Akram’s address shed light on the pressing issue of conjunctivitis in Punjab and highlighted the importance of proactive measures to prevent its spread. His remarks also underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle dengue fever and other infectious diseases, emphasizing the role of both individuals and authorities in ensuring public health and safety.