Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Flood-affected areas in state are facing a growing health crisis as waterborne and vector-borne diseases, along with respiratory infections, loom large.
Health sub-centres, which are the primary source of medical aid in villages, have been rendered ineffective due to disrupted access caused by heavy rainfall and flooding.
Health workers report that contaminated drinking water is already triggering cases of diarrhoea in many villages. They warn that in the next 10 to 15 days, the situation could worsen with the likely spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.
Flooding has contaminated water sources, raising risk of diseases like typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A. Stagnant water left behind is creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. At the same time, overcrowding in temporary shelters is increasing spread of respiratory infections, particularly pneumonia among children.
Children, pregnant women, elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are most vulnerable to these post-flood health hazards.
Jitendra Bhadoria, president of the Health Workers Association, said: “Chances of diarrhoea are always there in flood-hit villages as drinking water is contaminated. Secondly, after 10–15 days, dengue and malaria will start. Sub-health centres fail to ensure proper medication in remote areas. In Guna, dengue cases are on the rise due to this failure.”
Tarun Rathi, Health Commissioner, told Free Press, “We have instructed medical officials to ensure proper health facilities and medication in remote flood-hit areas. Teams are working as per the guidelines.”
Lurking danger
Health sub-centres cut off by floodwaters, disrupting care
Diarrhoea cases rising; dengue and malaria expected soon
Stagnant water, overcrowded shelters heighten health risks
Children, elderly and pregnant women most at risk
