PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday directed the Health Department to take practical steps for eradication of dengue virus in the next year. A two-member bench comprising Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan and Justice Ghazanfar Khan adjourned the hearing into the petition, seeking steps for eradication and proper measures against dengue virus. During hearing, Director General (DG) Health Department Muhammad Ayub Rose informed the bench that the rate of dengue patients has been reduced to 30 percent and now dengue virus is fully controlled. However, the court directed the DG health, secretary health and provincial government to prepare for next year and ensure that concrete steps are taken for eradication of the virus. “The provincial government and department shall not feel shy in taking help from Punjab or any foreign country in eradication of dengue virus,” Justice Qaiser Rashid observed. The bench, after giving elaborate order without disposing of the case, adjourned it sine die. The court also stated in the order that the case can be reopened again on the application of the petitioner Saifullah Muhib Kakakhel if there is a need. The lawyer submitted that the death toll due to dengue virus had reached more than 45 in KP and hundreds were infected by dengue virus in the last several months.
