The rising dengue cases in Hyderabad have exposed a critical failure of the government to tackle this deadly disease. The unofficial mortality figures paint a haunting picture, revealing a hidden threat that has claimed lives and left families devastated.
According to families, a staggering 26 deaths occurred in Hyderabad alone between October 1st and November 2nd. However, the official health department confirms only six deaths in the province over a ten-month period. This discrepancy raises serious concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the data.
The recent death of a student has led to criminal proceedings against medical professionals, highlighting the dire situation and the need for urgent action. Despite the media's attention and political concerns, the response from the Sindh health department has been slow and inadequate.
But here's where it gets controversial... The health department's approach, described as "proactive" by some, has come under scrutiny. With a noticeable surge in dengue cases, the department has been accused of downplaying the severity of the outbreak by sharing data from only a few hospitals. A senior pathologist emphasizes the importance of accurate numbers for strategic planning.
Medical experts have been alerting the health functionaries about the gradual rise in dengue cases, but their warnings seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The health department's previous establishment of a dengue surveillance cell has not prevented the exceptional rise in cases this year.
And this is the part most people miss... The vector-borne disease has taken a lethal turn, with an alarming increase in cases and deaths. Experts stress the need for research to understand why this year's outbreak is so severe. A comparison of dengue positive tests from 2023 to 2024 shows a significant rise, with Latifabad and Qasimabad consistently reporting the highest number of cases.
Despite the availability of data, there seems to be a lack of analysis and action. Civic administrations have been urged to engage with health officials, but the question remains: What about those who seek testing outside government hospitals? The burden of this vector-borne infection is not being adequately addressed by health officials, who remain reluctant to provide explanations.
When approached for comments, Director General Health Dr. Waqar Mahmood directed inquiries to the health minister's media coordinator, who further referred the matter to another health department official. This chain of referrals highlights a lack of accountability and transparency.
The provision of dengue test kits, a crucial aspect of disease management, remains unresolved due to litigation on the tendering process. Additional Secretary Ibrahim Memon assures that the issue has been addressed, but the delay in providing these essential kits has already impacted the response efforts.
The Sindh High Court Sukkur bench has placed the health department's performance, particularly that of Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch, under judicial scrutiny. This adds to the growing concerns about the government's ability to effectively tackle the dengue crisis.
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Sindh chapter expresses deep worries about the current situation, believing that the desired fumigation efforts have not reached the masses. Dr. Haleem Thebo, PMA Sindh general secretary, emphasizes the severity of the dengue fever this season and the need for research-based findings to combat the virus's apparent mutation.
As the dengue crisis unfolds, the government's response is being closely watched. With lives at stake, the need for a comprehensive and transparent strategy is more urgent than ever. Will the government rise to the challenge and protect its citizens? The answer remains to be seen, but the impact of this outbreak is already felt by those affected.
Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2025
