THE civic conditions and the situation of cleanliness across the country are far from satisfactory. Hundreds of dengue cases have been reported in Lahore alone, and the outbreak is gaining momentum at an alarming pace.

The ongoing monsoons and the poor sanitation conditions provide an ideal breeding ground for the dengue mosquitoes. The Punjab government has been working proactively and has declared emergency in areas that have been the most affected by the outbreak. Special wards have also been allocated for dengue patients across the province. The same effort is required in the rest of the country.

As our healthcare system is already taken hostage by the Covid pandemic, it would not be easy for it to bear the burden of the dengue outbreak.

The authorities concerned should play their due role in draining away the rainwater as stagnant water is a deadly affair in this regard. Strict action should also be taken against non-performing staff to bring the situation under control.

Agha Abdul Samad
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2021