Mystery deaths raise water safety fears

Residents of Islamabad's outskirts seek probe and laboratory testing of drinking water

ISLAMABAD':

Reports of four young people dying within a month in Sarai Kharboza, Dhoke Abbasi and Mohalla Usmania, on the outskirts of Islamabad, have sparked concern among local residents, who have urged the Federal Health Minister to order an immediate investigation into the deaths and laboratory testing of drinking water samples.

Following reports that liver failure was involved in some of the deaths, residents have called for a transparent inquiry to establish the actual causes and for urgent measures to protect public health.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, Pakistan recorded a mortality rate of 38.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019 attributable to unsafe water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene facilities.

The indicator covers several water, sanitation and hygiene-related risks and should not be interpreted as the mortality rate caused solely by contaminated drinking water. The figures nevertheless underline the importance of safe water supplies and effective sanitation systems.

Dr Gul Khan of Sangjani Hospital said waterborne diseases in Pakistan could be caused by sewage entering drinking water pipelines, contamination of groundwater, inadequate access to safe water, damage to water sources during floods and poor sanitation arrangements.

He stressed that regular water quality testing, protecting supply pipelines from sewage contamination and ensuring access to clean water in homes, schools and hospitals were essential to safeguarding public health.

Dr Gul Khan advised residents to have their drinking water tested by an accredited laboratory and to use boiled water or an effective filtration system. He also urged them to ensure that water supply lines remained protected from sewage contamination. Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or symptoms of dehydration should seek medical advice promptly, he added.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the father of one of the deceased young men said his son had appeared to be in good health before suddenly falling ill and being taken to hospital.

His condition deteriorated further the following day, and he was placed on a ventilator. According to his father, the family was informed that his son's liver had been severely damaged. Despite receiving medical treatment, the young man died three days later.

Political and social figure Wasif Hayat Khan also expressed concern over reports of the deaths and called on the relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, arrange laboratory testing of drinking water samples and establish the actual causes of the fatalities.

He said protecting the health and lives of citizens was a fundamental responsibility of the relevant authorities and urged them to treat the matter with the utmost seriousness and take immediate action.