Minister denies outbreak of dengue

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KARACHI: Federal Minister for Health, Makhdoom Shahabuddin here on Friday categorically denied any outbreak of dengue fever across the country or even in any of its particular city or part.

Talking to media during a workshop on Scaling up Best Practices in Family Planning and Maternal, New Born and Child Health, he regretted that media was blowing different issues, including those related to health, out of proportion.

"We are passing through a difficult phase in our national history and need to project hard facts and not mere hear-say or perceptions," said the minister.

Makhdoom Shahabuddin said the federal ministry was working in close liaison with provincial health departments to address flood induced health issues and every support is being extended to the provinces.

He denied that provinces were facing difficulties in procurement of funds from the federal government.

The health minister said the country has presently entered into the phase of "rehabilitation" and an estimated amount of 10 billion dollars to 11 billion dollars are urgently required for rehabilitation work in the flood hit areas of the country.

He reiterated that concerted efforts were being made by federal and provincial governments in close collaboration with national and international agencies as well as NGOs.