In many cities of Sindh, stagnant water is still accumulating, creating a serious health hazard. This water acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, spreading malaria and dengue, which are now common across the province with several cases being reported daily.
Sukkur Civil Hospital is receiving a large number of patients from different cities and villages, including many from areas hit by recent floods and heavy rains. The hospital is facing a heavy load of waterborne disease patients.
Various wards are now crowded with people suffering from diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, amoebiasis, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, campylobacteriosis, scabies, and worm infections. Due to the lack of clean drinking water, people are forced to consume contaminated water and unhygienic food, increasing the risk of these illnesses.
Stagnant sewage continues to accumulate in many areas, providing an ideal environment for mosquitoes and contributing to the spread of malaria and dengue.
Dr. Younis, a post-graduate trainee in the Medicine Department at Civil Hospital Sukkur, said:
“We are receiving patients from both flood-affected and local areas. Seven out of ten patients with high fever test positive for malaria, and sometimes their platelet count drops dangerously low. Many affected people cannot find donors for platelets and blood.”
He added that dengue patients are especially at risk of bleeding due to low platelet counts. He urged people to donate blood and requested blood banks and organizations to make access easier for affected communities.
Dr. Younis also advised people to:
- Use mosquito nets and repellents
- Remove standing water around homes
- Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
He stressed that the government and non-government organizations should provide basic necessities to help people stay safe from deadly diseases.
Medical camps should be set up, especially in rural areas, to prevent waterborne and skin infections. Authorities must take effective steps to control outbreaks of malaria and dengue and remove accumulated water from residential areas.
This serious situation raises questions about the lack of action by the district administration and the Sindh government in protecting people from these preventable diseases.