Poor drainage sparks health fears at RIC

Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff residing in the staff colony adjoining the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) have expressed serious concern over what they describe as a deteriorating sanitation and drainage system, warning that stagnant sewage and rainwater have created a significant public health risk.

According to residents, sewage water has accumulated on roads, streets and at the colony's entrance owing to a dysfunctional drainage system and inadequate sanitation arrangements. They said the foul smell, coupled with a growing mosquito population, had heightened fears of malaria outbreaks, while the risk of dengue transmission had also increased with the onset of the monsoon season.

Residents further alleged that the adjacent storm-water drain has not been desilted or properly cleaned, raising concerns that heavy monsoon rainfall could result in flooding in and around the colony.

Doctors, nurses and other medical staff have called upon the relevant authorities to immediately clear the storm-water drain.