Dengue Crisis in Sindh: PMA Warns Government
The dengue outbreak in Sindh has taken a deadly turn. The province recorded 1,212 new cases in the past 24 hours, including 765 in Karachi and 447 in Hyderabad. The total death toll now stands at 27, with the latest fatality being a 30-year-old man from Hyderabad. Health authorities report 12,750 confirmed dengue cases so far this year. Hospitals are under pressure, with 257 patients in government facilities and 156 in private hospitals. Karachi has 256 dengue beds in public hospitals and 165 in private hospitals, supported by 34 testing labs, while Hyderabad has 18 labs.
PMA Calls the Dengue Outbreak a “Man-Made Crisis”
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) criticized the Sindh government over what it calls a “man-made public health disaster.” PMA leaders blamed administrative negligence, poor governance, and lack of timely action for the rising cases. They stated that delayed fumigation, uncollected garbage, clogged drains, and weak municipal services created ideal mosquito breeding conditions. The association also highlighted that flawed disease surveillance and poor coordination between public and private health facilities worsened the situation.
Urgent Measures Needed to Contain the Crisis
PMA urged the government to declare a health emergency in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other high-risk districts. They demanded coordinated vector-control campaigns, supervised by experts, and restoration of sanitation services to reduce mosquito breeding. Environmental standards for construction projects must be enforced to limit dust and pollution. Free dengue testing and treatment should be ensured in all government hospitals. Finally, PMA called for an independent audit of the Dengue Prevention and Control Programme to identify lapses. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, the outbreak could worsen. PMA emphasized shifting from press statements to practical action to save lives and protect public health.
