Tank Faces Surge in Dengue and Malaria Cases Amid Medicine Shortage
Dengue fever, malaria, and influenza have reached alarming levels in Tank district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rising mosquito numbers and sudden weather changes are fueling this health crisis.
Hospitals across the district are overwhelmed. A severe shortage of medicines has left many patients without proper treatment. Poor families, unable to afford private care, are suffering the most. As a result, citizens are urging Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi to ensure immediate medical support and medicine supplies.
Hospitals Under Pressure
District Health Officer Dr. Kamran Zakria confirmed a steep increase in dengue, malaria, and influenza cases. He explained that changing weather patterns and a surge in mosquito breeding have triggered the outbreak.
So far, 23 dengue cases have been confirmed across 10 union councils. City-1 reported six cases, City-2 three, Dabbara four, and UC Pai and Ranwal two each. Other areas, including Gomal Bazar, Sarangzoona, and Tatta, also recorded new infections.
Urgent Need for Action
District Headquarters Hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Israrul Haq, shared that three women are currently admitted with dengue. An isolation ward has been prepared with mosquito nets and extra beds. However, the hospital hasn’t received government funds since July, halting medicine purchases.
Staff shortages add to the crisis, with 31 doctor posts, 23 nurse posts, and 24 technician positions vacant. Meanwhile, local doctors report that most diagnostic tests are done privately, making it hard to track cases. No fumigation or mosquito control steps have started yet.
The people of Tank now await swift government intervention to contain the growing health emergency.
