Anti-diarrhea campaign launched in Balochistan: CS
File Photo: People outside Pir Koh hospital in Dera Bugti after the outbreak of cholera: Photo Faiq Ali Bugti

Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail: 

QUETTA: At least six people including four children died as a result of a cholera outbreak in Balochistan’s Zhob and Wadh areas on Saturday. Cholera claimed three lives in Zhob and three lives in Wadh tehsil of Khuzdar district. Cholera, gastro, and diarrhea continue to affect people in general and children in particular in various parts of Balochistan currently.

“Cholera claimed three lives including two children”, Dr. Asad Jan Mengal, the Medical Superintendent of Wadh hospital said. Over 100 patients including women and children were admitted to Wadh hospital for medical treatment in the aftermath of the cholera outbreak.

Also Read: Cholera outbreak: Number of patients rises to 1650 in Dera Bugti

2,176 patients were brought to the DHQ Zhob

In Zhob, a total of 2,176 patients were brought to the district headquarters hospital. “We have discharged most of the patients only 200 patients are currently on beds of the hospital”, Syed Muzaffar Shah, the District Health Officer (DHO) said. Most of the patients were women and children, Dr. Shah informed.

Balochistan government dispatched medicines and doctors to Zhob to overcome the situation and provide better medical treatment to the patients. “I am personally going to Zhob to review the situation”, Saleh Muhammad Nasar, Secretary of Health Balochistan said. He informed that the major reason behind the outbreak of diarrhea was the mixing of sewerage water with water supply pipes in Zhob.

Also Read: Health emergency declared as cholera claims 2 lives in Barkhan

An emergency was declared in all government-run hospitals to cope with the situation. All doctors and paramedics were called to the hospital to tackle the situation.

250 patients were admitted to the DHQ Kohlu

In Kohlu: Over 250 patients were admitted to the district headquarters after the outbreak of gastro. Dr. Asghar Marri, the Medical Superintendent of Kohlu hospital said the patients belonged to various parts of the district. “Most of the patients are women and children”, Dr. Marri informed.

Lack of doctors, medicines across Balochistan

Doctors in remote areas of Balochistan have complained about the lack of medicines and the availability of doctors to provide timely treatment to cholera, gastro, and diarrhea patients. Government-run hospitals across Balochistan paint a bleak picture when it comes to health facilities.

However, the Balochistan health department has claimed to have provided the required medicines to patients across the province. “We are committed to treating every patient”, Saleh Nasar, the Secretary of Health concluded.

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Quetta Voice is an English Daily covering all unfolding political, economic and social issues relating to Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area. QV's main focus is on stories related to education, promotion of quality education and publishing reports about out of school children in the province. QV has also a vigilant eye on health, climate change and other key sectors.