Islamabad—–Following the widespread outbreak of diseases, including diarrhea, dengue, malaria, polio, skin infections and allergies in the flood-hit areas, Federal Minister for Health, Qadir Patel on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to make sure the provision of health assistance to each and every one across the country.
The data provided showed that around 10,000 patients have been treated at these health camps so far. Talking about the children, most vulnerable segment in disasters, he said that total 470 children were administrated polio drops and 196 children were vaccinated against the infectious diseases.
The figures provided by the health minister is quite shocking as a day before a UN official in Ganeva warned that flood-ravaged Pakistan is entering a second wave of death and destruction from outbreaks of diseases, including malaria, dengue, diarrhea, scabies and other skin diseases. He highlighted that the wave of diseases spreading across the affected areas will lead to many more deaths, especially among children, millions of whom are suffering from acute malnutrition. He quoted the U.N. Children’s Agency (UNICEF) that at least 3.4 million children need immediate lifesaving support.
However, Patel said in a statement that health ministry is coordinating with all the health departments nationwide to provide the health facilities in term of checkups and medicines to the people suffering from infectious diseases. According to the details provided total 48 health camps have been setup in KPK, Sindh, Punjab and Baluchistan. As many as 16 camps have been functional in 8 districts of KPK, whereas only 4 camps are working in 2 districts of Punjab. However, Sindh have 14 health camps in 10 districts and Baluchistan have 14.
