LHC moved over govt failure to control measles outbreak
17 February, 2013
LAHORE: A petition was filed in the Lahore High Court on Saturday seeking action over government's failure to control measles outbreak. Judicial Activism Panel Chairman Muhammad Azhar Siddique filed the petition stating the Punjab in particular and rest of the areas in Pakistan in general have been caught by measles an acute, infectious and communicable viral disease causing deaths of a number of children. He stated that such disease mostly occurs amongst children and is preventable if precautionary measures are taken by the authorities concerned before its outbreak. The petitioner stated that it was the responsibility of the state to provide the best possible health facilities to the citizens, particularly children, because they are future of the country. He stated that in present case, it was an open failure on part of the state machinery. He requested that directions be given to the respondents federal and Punjab government officials to control the frequent outbreak of the measles on war footing. Siddique also requested that respondents be directed to give a detailed and comprehensive report for the purpose of holding to account those responsible. He also requested that the appropriate directions may be given to the federal and provincial government to establish a permanent authority to prevent spread of such diseases, in view of recent deaths due to dengue, measles, drug reaction cases and others, including deaths in floods, earthquakes, glacier outbreak, etc. For the purpose of protecting the fundamental rights as guaranteed under the constitution, the state may be directed to make steps for promulgation of legislation on the subject. Siddique prayed that the law enforcing agencies may be directed to take cognisance of the matters to protect the lives of the citizens of Punjab and thereby they be dealt sternly, in accordance with law and fairness. He further prayed that many children have lost their lives because of the measles and the respondents concerned or others who are responsible of their deaths, criminal action/proceedings may be directed to be initiated against the concerned, so that the grievance of the aggrieved may be redressed. End.
|
