KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has urged the Sindh government to declare a health emergency in Karachi and Hyderabad, warning that poor sanitation and ineffective fumigation have turned major cities into breeding grounds for mosquitoes as dengue cases continue to rise.
According to the Sindh health department, 11,763 dengue cases have been reported across the province so far this year — including 6,199 cases in November alone. More than 400 patients are currently receiving treatment in public and private hospitals.
PMA blames “systemic dysfunction” for dengue crisis
In a strongly worded statement, the PMA called the ongoing dengue outbreak a “man-made tragedy,” blaming “systemic dysfunction” and a “lack of political will” for the crisis.
“The government’s failure to ensure proper sanitation, waste management, and timely fumigation has turned our cities into breeding sites for the Aedes mosquito,” the association said. “Every death reported is a verdict on the failure of the local government and provincial health department.”
The PMA demanded an independent audit of the provincial dengue prevention and control programme, along with strict oversight of municipal services to hold officials accountable for negligence. It also called on authorities to immediately clear stagnant water, open drains, and garbage dumps to curb mosquito breeding and enforce environmental health standards.
Over 200 patients in Hyderabad hospitals
Health department data shows that 429 patients are currently under treatment — 147 in Karachi and 203 in Hyderabad.
At least 25 people, including several children, have died from dengue fever since October, officials confirmed.
Despite the alarming figures, Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Baloch said the situation in Hyderabad is showing signs of improvement, noting that dengue positivity has dropped from 46 per cent last week to 35 per cent this week.
“The government is closely monitoring the situation,” he said in a press statement.
