Creeping threat: Over 150 gastroenteritis patients hospitalised daily in Upper Dir

Expert advises locals to drink clean water to prevent diseases 


Our Correspondent July 02, 2016
Ghani urged people to drink clean water to prevent gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. Photo: INP

WARI: Over 150 patients of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea are admitted on a daily basis at District Headquarters Hospital Upper Dir. A majority of these patients are children.

A large number of cases of gastroenteritis and diarrhoea have been reported because water supply in the region is feared to be contaminated. This has added to the woes of locals.

Sikandarshah, an official privy to the development, told The Express Tribune a large number of patients come to the hospital from various areas.

“These include Barawal, Panakot, Qulandi, Dobando, Usheri Dara, Sheringal tehsil and others areas of the district,” he said.

According to the official, a majority of gastroenteritis patients are children.

“At least 300 patients are admitted to the gastro DTC ward on a daily basis,” he said. “DTC is a special diarrhoea ward and has been established for patients at the hospital.”

Dr Rehman Ghani, the medical superintendent at the facility, said he has increased the number of shifts at the DTC due to the influx of patients.

“The spike in gastroenteritis and diarrhoea cases are a direct outcome of contaminated water in the region,” Ghani said. “This is the main cause of the waterborne disease in the region.”

Ghani urged people to drink clean water to prevent gastroenteritis and diarrhoea.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2016.

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