Punjab, known for its scorching summers, is currently battling the harsh consequences of an unrelenting heat wave that has enveloped the province since May. Alongside the burdens of power load shedding, residents face the looming threat of various diseases spurred by the intense heat, all while lamenting the absence of effective governance.
The absence of a functional government exacerbates the situation. With the province lacking a health minister due to ongoing political power struggles, there’s a glaring absence of a cohesive strategy to address the surge in hospitalizations stemming from heat-related ailments like strokes and diarrhea.
Dr. Athar Yousaf from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital expressed grave concerns over the overwhelming influx of patients, citing overcrowded facilities and unhygienic conditions exacerbating the plight of already ailing individuals. Meanwhile, other doctors from government hospitals, preferring anonymity, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the stagnation in policy and development work amid the absence of sworn-in ministers.
As Punjab awaits the formation of a new cabinet, the number of hospitalizations continues to rise unabated. Insider information from the provincial health department, shared on condition of anonymity, revealed alarming statistics: Lahore alone witnessed 700 cases of heat stroke and diarrhea in the past 24 hours, with a staggering total of 8,000 cases reported across government hospitals in the past two weeks.
Dr. Javed Akram, Vice Chancellor of Punjab Institute of Health Sciences, underscores the urgency for residents to exercise extreme caution. Boiling water before consumption becomes imperative to combat germ proliferation, a common trigger for disease spread during hot weather. Additionally, Dr. Muhammad Riaz, MS of Mozang Hospital, emphasizes the critical role of hygiene, urging frequent handwashing and caution against consuming repeatedly heated stale food, which poses significant risks to stomach health.
As Punjab grapples with the dual challenges of scorching temperatures and health crises, proactive measures and community awareness are vital in mitigating the impact and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
