SHANGLA: The government hospital in Bisham tehsil has reported an increase in vector-borne diseases, with 84 cases of malaria, 35 cases of dengue, and hundreds more showing symptoms of chikungunya.

Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Shah Fahad confirmed that growing numbers of patients were visiting the health facility with symptoms of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

He stated that the hospital only kept the records of those patients who had their clinical tests done at the hospital laboratory. However, the actual number was higher than the hospital’s tally, as many patients got tested at private laboratories and visited private clinics.

Replying to a question, Dr Fahad mentioned that despite the change in weather, the flow of patients had not decreased, and the majority of area’sresidents were getting infected with vector-borne diseases.

He urged the local community to adopt precautionary measures to have adequate protection against the dengue, malaria, or chikungunya.

He said they also faced the shortage of staff and medicines in the hospital and its building was also under-construction and they were struggling to provide medical treatment to a large number of patients.

SEEDS DISTRIBUTED: A non-governmental organisation distributed vegetable seeds and farming tools among 200 farmers in Opal union council of tehsil Chakesar.

The seeds distribution ceremony was attended by farmers and local notables.

The NGO official provided the registered farmers with a different variety of vegetable seeds and farming tools. He urged the farmers to cultivate vegetables in their fields and adapt the skills imparted by the organisation for getting desired results .

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024