Hyderabad ( HRNW) The President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry Muhammad Saleem Memon has demanded immediate and preventive measures from the Sindh government and all relevant institutions in view of the possible threat of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases in Hyderabad after the monsoon rains. He stated that after the monsoon rains, water accumulation on roads, streets, open plots, drains, construction sites, markets, especially industrial areas of Hyderabad site and other places can create a favorable environment for the breeding of mosquitoes. Dengue cases have been reported in Hyderabad in the past, therefore, effective surveillance and preventive measures cannot be ignored in the current monsoon and the subsequent period.
Saleem Memon alarmed that we should not wait for dengue cases to increase or the situation to become serious. All the relevant departments of the government should be mobilized now so that the potential threat can be stopped at the very beginning. He said that the mosquito breeding sites and areas with water accumulation problems identified last year should be re-examined and these places should be specially inspected in the context of the current rains. Immediate drainage of rainwater, sanitation, monitoring of mosquito larvae, use of appropriate medicines to eliminate larvae and spraying of mosquito repellents in sensitive areas as needed should be taken under an integrated strategy.
The Chamber President demanded that the Sindh government immediately establish an effective joint coordination and monitoring system between the Health Department, District Administration, Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Town Municipal Administrations, Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation, Hyderabad Development Authority, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and other relevant institutions so that all institutions work under a coordinated plan to prevent dengue. He urged all municipal institutions to immediately identify water accumulated after rain, blocked drains, empty plots, garbage, used tires, open containers and other potential places where mosquitoes can breed and take steps to clean and eradicate them.
Saleem Memon also demanded from the Directorate General of Health Department Sindh and District Health Officer Hyderabad to make the regular monitoring system of dengue and mosquito breeding in the city more effective, identify sensitive areas and continuously monitor such places where there is a high risk of mosquito breeding. He stated that advance preparation is also necessary in government hospitals. Dengue wards and beds, necessary diagnostic facilities, availability of medical staff and an effective system for timely transfer and treatment of patients should be kept active in advance so that in case of any possible increase in dengue patients, immediate and appropriate medical facilities can be provided to the citizens.
The HCSTSI Chamber stated that dengue is not only a health issue but is also directly related to economic and business activities. If traders, laborers, employees or consumers are affected by the disease, business activities are affected and there may be a disruption in the economic activities of the city. Therefore, dengue prevention should be viewed in the context of civic health as well as business continuity and economic stability. He also appealed to the business and industrial community of Hyderabad to prevent water from accumulating in their business centers, shops, warehouses, factories and other places, regularly inspect roofs and open spaces and ensure immediate cleaning and eradication of potential mosquito breeding sites so that timely measures can be taken to prevent the possible spread of dengue.
Saleem Memon said that the HCSTSI has also formally drawn the attention of the Sindh government on this issue and has sent letters to the Sindh Health Minister and the Sindh Chief Secretary requesting them to immediately ensure dengue prevention in Hyderabad, elimination of potential mosquito breeding sites, effective surveillance, sanitation and other necessary preventive measures. He said that the chamber is ready to cooperate with the government and all relevant institutions and will play its role in creating awareness among the business and industrial community regarding dengue prevention so that timely measures can be taken to prevent the spread of dengue.
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