Hyderabad(July, 3): The surge in cases of dengue, viral fever, and other vector-borne diseases in the Old City of Hyderabad has raised serious concerns among residents and local authorities. The Hyderabad District Congress Committee (DCC) President, Sameer Waliullah, has strongly criticized the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for its ineffective monsoon action plan and the negligent attitude of MIM MLAs and corporators.
In a media statement on Monday, Sameer Waliullah expressed disappointment over the GHMC’s delay in initiating fogging and spraying operations despite the city experiencing multiple spells of monsoon rains. He highlighted the deteriorating conditions in the Old City, which is already plagued by potholes that accumulate rainwater. Furthermore, the GHMC has failed to address the issue of uncollected garbage in many areas. This combination of factors has contributed to the rapid spread of diseases, including viral fever and dengue.
According to the Congress leader, there has been a significant increase in weather-related diseases over the past 8-10 days. The outpatient department of Gandhi Hospital alone has received over 2,500 patients, while Osmania Hospital and Fever Hospital have also reported a surge in patient numbers. On a daily basis, around 600 and 500 people are being referred to these hospitals, respectively, with approximately 30% of the patients at Osmania suffering from viral fever. Most of the cases are concentrated in the Old City of Hyderabad. Sameer Waliullah expressed additional concern over the rise in dengue cases, revealing that out of the 120 cases reported in June, at least 65 are from Hyderabad’s Old City.
Sameer Waliullah criticized the MIM MLAs and corporators for their failure to fulfill their responsibilities. He accused them of not making representations to GHMC officials regarding the repair of damaged roads, prevention of water accumulation in potholes, and the implementation of fogging and anti-larval spraying operations. Furthermore, he highlighted the lack of additional supplies of medicines and testing kits in the Old City.
The Hyderabad DCC president demanded immediate action from the GHMC, calling for fogging and anti-larval operations. He also urged the authorities to establish health screening camps, ensure an adequate supply of medicines and diagnostic kits to all Basti Dawakhanas and urban primary health centers, and launch an awareness campaign to educate the public on precautions to prevent rain-related diseases.
 President, Sameer Waliullah, has strongly criticized the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for its ineffective monsoon action plan and the negligent attitude of MIM MLAs and corporators.){kind=link}