Dry, cold spell fuels disease surge

Continuous dry weather, dust, smoke and rising air pollution in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have triggered a surge in various illnesses.

Nearly every household is reporting flu, cough, runny nose, dry cough, throat infections, eye irritation, dry lips and diseases affecting the stomach, nose, lungs and respiratory system.

Dust from the Katcheri Chowk underpass project spreads across the area throughout the day.

Islamabad's air quality index has reached 162, Rawalpindi's 180 and Murree's 167. Due to the absence of winter rains, the level of underground water has also started declining. The three major allied hospitals of Rawalpindi—Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, Holy Family Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital—are receiving up to 3,500 patients daily suffering from these illnesses, mostly children and elderly citizens.

Neighbourhood clinics are also overcrowded, benefiting from the rising number of patients.

Local doctors immediately administer small or large drips to patients, charging Rs1,200 per patient for a drip, injection and small bottles filled with green, yellow or red-coloured syrups. Without injections, they charge Rs450 to 500 per patient.

Benazir Bhutto Hospital's Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Inayat issued guidelines advising citizens to use face masks, as dust and smoke are extremely dangerous.