‘21 people died in Sindh rains and floods so far’

“Around 0.3 million has fallen ill with various diseases," the minister said while addressing a press conference.

KARACHI: Sindh Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed said on Sunday that 21 people have died in the province during the 21 days of rain and floods.

“Around 0.3 million has fallen ill with various diseases and if proper sanitation facilities and clean drinking water is not provided to the survivors, 3.5 million lives could be lost,” the minister said while addressing a press conference at the Sindh Secretariat. The minister said from July 31 till Aug 20, there were 63,331 cases of diarrhea, 14,247 of gastroenteritis, 57,368 of chest diseases, 43,002 of malaria, 69,599 of skin diseases 1,647 of heart strokes, 25,396 of eye ailments, and 99,581 of other diseases. Besides, 173 people were bitten by snakes, out of which one of them died.

He the number of waterborne disease patients is rising with each passing day, and more fund are required to fulfill the healthcare requirements of the survivors.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2010.