KARACHI, Aug 17: The Sindh and Balochistan governments must take steps on an urgent basis so as to avert any possible outbreak of epidemics and spread of waterborne diseases in flood-hit areas.

This was one of the demands made by the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association at a press conference held here at the Karachi Press Club on Friday.

The PIMA office-bearers apprised the newsmen of the relief activities in areas like Shahdadkot, Qambar, Dadu, Jhal Magsi, Jafferabad, Makran Coast, Turbat, Kech, etc.

PIMA General-Secretary Suhail Akhtar and Relief Coordinator Dr Baber Saeed Khan expressed fears about the outbreak of various diseases in the flood-devastated areas still submerged by water for about eight weeks.

One of the speakers said that there was an urgent need not only to improve the overall drinking water and sanitation situation but also to educate the affected people on personal hygiene.

A number of cholera cases had been confirmed by the National Institute of Health and there were chances of an outbreak of an epidemic in the next two weeks, Prof Akhtar said, adding that in such a situation the government and international health agencies must come up with preventive measures to save lives.

According to PIMA relief coordinator Dr Khan, massive but unguided use of pesticides in the fields will contribute towards a surge in skin diseases in the flood-affected areas.