Stagnant rain water to put further stress on Pakistani healthcare system

Karachi: Health experts express concern over the consequences of the abundance of stagnant rainwater water throughout all major cities of the country during the Monsoon season. They worry that another viral outbreak amongst the citizens may put further stress on the country’s healthcare system.

According to weather reports, so far Karachi has received record-breaking rainfall during this Monsoon season. Gulshan-e Hadid alone has received 102.7mm of rainfall. Furthermore, another spell of rainfall is expected to hit the city on 6th August, 2022

Karachi receives record-breaking rainfall

Other areas of the city such as Old Airport, Faisal Base, and Jinnah Terminal have received 53mm, 46mm and 38.8mm of rain respectively. DHA has received 10mm of rainfall so far. An aerial view of the city depicts the vigorously inundated streets of Karachi. The stagnant rainwater and overflowing gutters pose a major threat to the health and well-being of the citizens of Karachi.

Sindh alone has received 1154 cases of dengue this year. More cases of the disease, as well as polio, are expected if the rainwater situation does not become better soon.

In Lahore, Punjab Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) coordinator Ms Syeda Ramallah Ali has instructed District Health Management Team (DHMT) to remain vigilant against the polio virus in order to prevent the return of polio in the province.

Controlling the stagnant water situation is important

 During the uncertain times of the pandemic, an additional stress of a seasonal viral outbreak can put unnecessary pressure on the healthcare system of the country. The National Institute of Health records 661 new cases of COVID 19 as well as 1 death due to the disease. 

It is imperative to control the rainwater and blocked sewage systems in the province, specifically in all low-lying areas of the cities to prevent those that cannot afford healthcare to fall prey to diseases such as malaria, polio, and dengue.