
KARACHI:
Last year, the World Health Organisation raised concern over the cholera outbreak in flood-affected regions of Balochistan. The cholera outbreak affected 16 districts of the province including Turbat. Unfortunately, there has been no let-up in the cases.
Consumption of contaminated water and unhealthy food causes cholera. It is an acute infectious disease and can be fatal if patients do not receive proper treatment at an early stage. Hospitals in Turbat are overwhelmed with patients due to an absence of widespread healthcare facilities in the province. Often patients’ condition worsens during their commute from rural areas to Turbat or Quetta. At times, doctors advise patients in critical conditions to travel to Karachi or other parts of the country to avail better medical support. However, this is not affordable for everyone.
Many people across Balochistan have already lost their lives to cholera. Therefore, the federal and provincial authorities need to immediately pay attention to the issue and provide hospitals with sufficient medicines and other resources to treat the patients. The healthcare department should also conduct awareness campaigns to inform people about preventive measures such as drinking potable water and seeking medical treatment to control cases.
Atiqa Karim
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2023.
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