Article:, In a serious breach of public trust, the Rawalpindi Health Department has terminated the employment of twelve workers and supervisors from the city’s anti-dengue campaign after discovering that they faked their attendance. Though absent from duty in the field, these individuals were found submitting fraudulent photographs as proof of inspection visits. The Express Tribune+2Lokmat Times+2
What Happened
- Fake Proof of Work: Both male and female staff members were caught sending pictures that were either from previous years or taken elsewhere, in order to claim they had been present at dengue inspection duties. Lokmat Times+1
- Immediate Dismissal: Upon verification of the misconduct, the health department dismissed all twelve personnel involved. The Express Tribune+1,
- Broader Investigation: The dismissal is part of a wider crackdown. Approximately 200 other health employees have been identified for similar absenteeism or fraudulent activity. Action is being initiated under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Disciplinary and Accountability (PEDA) Act against them. Dawn+1
Dengue Situation in Rawalpindi
The importance of the anti-dengue drive cannot be overstated. Rawalpindi is currently experiencing a surge in dengue cases:
- New Cases: In the last 24 hours alone, 20 new cases have been reported. Lokmat Times+1
- Total Infectees: The cumulative number of dengue patients in Rawalpindi has risen to 394, with 81 undergoing treatment in local hospitals. Of those, 38 cases are confirmed. The Express Tribune+1
- No Fatalities: Thankfully, no deaths have been reported this season. Lokmat Times+1
Official Response
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema has made strong statements signalling that negligence in this sensitive public health campaign will not be tolerated. Dawn+2App+2 An inquiry has also been set up by District Health Authorities to further probe corruption and distortions in the campaign. ARY News
Government departments such as Health, Education, and the Water & Sanitation Agency have been tasked with stricter field monitoring, ensuring larval site inspections, and enforcing zero-tolerance against negligence. App+2Dawn+2
Why This Matters
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. With the monsoon rains increasing breeding sites, effective ground-level surveillance and preventive measures (like larval control and community awareness) are critical. The Express Tribune+2Dawn+2
When workers fail to perform inspections—or falsify their work—the result is that many mosquito breeding grounds remain undetected, contributing to higher transmission. Misleading data gives authorities a false sense of security and compromises public health policy.
What Needs to Be Done
- Enhanced Monitoring: Regular surprise field checks by independent teams to verify work done.
- Stricter Penalties: Use of disciplinary laws (e.g. PEDA) must be consistent to deter similar abuse.
- Transparency & Reporting: Public disclosure of attendance records and inspection reports.
- Community Engagement: Educating neighbourhoods about dengue-prevention so citizens can hold officials accountable.
The dismissal of these twelve workers sends a strong message: fake attendance in campaigns that protect human life is unacceptable. As Rawalpindi battles rising dengue numbers, every effort—by government workers, officials, and citizens alike—must be genuine, proactive, and relentless.
