GHMC slammed for rise in fevers in old city

 Hyderabad: Raising serious concern over the rise in dengue, viral fevers and other vector-borne diseases in the Old City, Hyderabad district Congress committee president Sameer Waliullah strongly criticised the GHMC for its ineffective monsoon action plan and the negligent attitude of MIM MLAs and corporators.

Waliullah said that the GHMC had not commenced anti-mosquito fogging and spraying operations. The Old City’s roads have several potholes where rainwater accumulates. Besides, the GHMC had also failed to lift garbage.

He said the Gandhi Hospital had received over 2,500 patients, while Osmania Hospital and Fever Hospital had seen a surge in patient numbers.

As many as 600 and 500 people have been referred daily, respectively, with about 30 percent at Osmania suffering from viral fever. Most of the cases are reported in the Old City of Hyderabad. He also expressed concern over the increase in dengue cases, saying that of the 120 cases reported in June, at least 65 are reportedly from Hyderabad's Old City.

Waliullah said that the MIM MLAs and corporators have failed to perform their duties. They have not made any representations to the GHMC officials to repair damaged roads, prevent the accumulation of water in potholes, or carry out fogging and anti-larval spraying operations. He also said that no additional stock of medicines and testing kits has been supplied to the Old City.

The Hyderabad DCC president demanded that the GHMC immediately undertake fogging and anti-larval operations. He also called for health screening camps, an adequate supply of medicines and diagnostic kits to all Basti Dawakhanas and urban primary health centers, and an awareness campaign to sensitize people on precautions to be taken for the prevention of rain-related diseases.