The Punjab government has implemented enhanced preventive measures against Monkeypox. Quarantine centers for suspected monkeypox cases will be established at six airports across the province, adhering to WHO-approved protocols. Access to these centers will be restricted to ensure safety for other passengers and airport staff.

Vaccinations for federal and provincial airport personnel will be mandatory, and training sessions for doctors, nurses, and paramedics on monkeypox management are being organized. Hospitals will also create dedicated quarantine wards for potential cases.

Provincial Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir recently inspected the monkeypox screening facilities at Lahore Airport, accompanied by the head of the Technical Working Group, Prof. Javed Akram. They reviewed the existing screening processes for international travelers and held discussions with civil aviation and other officials to enhance response strategies.

Professor Akram emphasized the urgent need for cooperation from airport authorities, warning that Punjab is at significant risk of an outbreak due to its dense population and limited health infrastructure at international points of entry.

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He reiterated the importance of immediate quarantine for any suspected cases arriving in the province.

The Technical Working Group has also recommended the local production of antiviral medications to treat monkeypox, urging airport officials to take proactive measures to prevent the disease’s spread before it escalates.