LHC seeks reply over monkeypox cases

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LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday issued notices to the health department and other relevant authorities, seeking their response to a petition highlighting a rise in monkeypox cases and alleged gaps in the public health response.

Justice Owais Khalid heard the petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, which argued that authorities had failed to take effective steps to contain the spread of the virus despite a steady increase in reported cases.

During the proceedings, the petitioner contended that testing capacity remained inadequate due to a shortage of proper laboratory facilities, while public awareness campaigns on the disease were largely insufficient.

The petition also pointed to the absence of comprehensive and transparent data on monkeypox infections, stating that limited disclosure was hindering an accurate assessment of the situation.

It urged the court to direct federal and provincial health authorities to take immediate and coordinated measures, including improving diagnostic and treatment facilities and launching effective awareness drives to inform the public about prevention and symptoms.

Further proceedings in the case are expected after the submission of responses by the authorities.