Spreading dengue: Polyclinic becomes a potential breeding ground

Visit to the medical facility reveals stagnant water at various passageways

ISLAMABAD: The negligence of authorities has put the lives of over 11,000 people at risk as the second-largest hospital in the federal capital has virtually become a breeding ground for dengue larvae.



During a visit to Polyclinic, located in the heart of the city, The Express Tribune witnessed water flowing out of air-conditioning units installed on the upper storey of the hospital building.

Water falls  onto the passageway, which is used by visitors and patients in large numbers to either enter or leave the hospital.  The laboratory, children emergency ward and main door to enter the hospital building are located where the AC water accumulates. There are no containers placed to safely collect the water flowing out from the units.



Moreover, freshwater also gathers around water coolers in different areas of the hospital. Most of the dispensers are placed in areas which see frequent movement of visitors, patients and staff.

According to hospital sources, an average of 7,000 to 8,000 people visit different outpatient departments of the hospital on a daily basis, whereas 550-600 patients are admitted. In addition, there are 3,000 hospital staff.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior doctor, requesting anonymity, says it is unfortunate that a place meant to treat dengue patients has become a potential hub for the spread of the disease. He points out the hospital building is already congested and water gathers at different places inside the building when there is heavy rain. He adds that the pools remain stagnant for a long time.

“Not only is water  dripping out of the ACs and coolers, but also the tanks. As a result, it accumulates around them,” the doctor says.



Despite the drop in temperature, there is no decline in the number of dengue cases. Rather, the rate of increase is said to be alarming. According to official data, 2,171 cases have been reported in 2016 up till October and the disease has claimed three lives in Islamabad so far.

When contacted, Polyclinic spokesman Dr Imtiaz Hasan said there are containers to collect water leaking from the air conditioners adding that  there is a supervisor at the hospital who administers a daily insecticide spray or puts bleach in the water to kill the larvae.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2016.