MULTAN: Dengue cases are rising rapidly across Multan district, putting pressure on hospitals and prompting authorities to intensify their anti-larva operations in an effort to control the spread of the mosquito-borne illness.
Hospitals in the city have seen a surge in patient admissions over the past week, while district health teams report clearing thousands of mosquito breeding spots.
At Nishtar Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in the region, 12 patients have tested positive for dengue,and 29 others are suspected cases awaiting test results. Out of the 70 beds designated for dengue patients, 41 are already occupied.
Ali Kasim Gilani, a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), shared on his ‘X’ account on Tuesday that 30 dengue cases were reported in his constituency in a single day.
He said he had written to Multan Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sandhu, urging him to take precautionary steps to protect citizens from the disease.
Private hospitals and clinics are also reporting an increase in suspected dengue cases. According to district health officials, 92 confirmed cases have been recorded in Multan so far this year.
Anti-dengue teams have eliminated larvae at 3,989 locations and identified 2,195 breeding hotspots. A total of 352 field teams are currently engaged in indoor and outdoor surveillance and larva eradication.
Special Secretary for Health and Population Muhammad Shahbaz Hussain said anti-dengue efforts were being scaled up to achieve “100 per cent coverage” of identified areas.
At Government Shehbaz Sharif Hospital, a dedicated dengue counter has been set up to assess suspected patients and expedite basic testing and treatment. Public notices have also been issued, advising citizens to follow dengue prevention Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital has been coordinating with Nishtar Hospital and other government facilities to manage the patient load. Doctors have warned that delays in diagnosis are adding to the strain on hospital wards.
Medical staff at Nishtar and other hospitals said some test samples are still being sent to central laboratories, even though rapid testing equipment is available, which slows down platelet monitoring and treatment for suspected cases.
Local authorities have taken legal action against businesses found negligent in dengue control. FIRs have been lodged after dengue larvae were discovered at three restaurants and two factories, while over 120 notices have been issued to violators.
Health teams have urged residents to eliminate standing water, cover water tanks, and report potential breeding sites.
Officials stressed that community cooperation is vital to prevent an outbreak. With weather conditions favouring mosquito breeding, authorities have warned that continued public vigilance is essential to stop the disease from spreading further.