NOW that we have some respite from the Covid pandemic across the country, the dengue virus has triggered a new challenge. There has been a sharp increase in dengue cases in recent weeks. There seems to be no containment of dengue virus as major cities in Punjab and Sindh as well the capital city of Islamabad continue to receive a large number of patients on a daily basis, worsening the situation. Make no mistake, the fight is tough.

Sadly, preventive measures taken in this regard thus far represent a simple case of doing too little too late. The apathetic attitude has already claimed many a life so far. It started from Punjab, but, as the virus spread, it has engulfed Karachi and Islamabad as well. The situation in rural areas generally goes unreported, but it is a folly to assume that such areas would have remained completely unaffected. Karachi is in the grip of this dangerous virus as a number of dengue cases have been reported.

Will the provincial and federal governments remain engaged in dealing with political issues and non-issues, ignoring the vital concern of healthcare of the public at large? This is a critical question and calls for an urgent answer.

Hussain Siddiqui
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...