As India grapples with a surge in dengue and malaria cases, the government’s response—or lack thereof—has come under intense scrutiny. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi focuses on international diplomacy, particularly his recent visit to Ukraine to bolster his image as a global leader, the situation at home is dire. Dengue and malaria are claiming more lives than any other animal-related deaths in the country.
The Alarming Statistics
Recent data reveals a worrying trend. In Delhi alone, over 300 dengue cases were reported in just one week. Nationwide, the numbers are staggering. According to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), dengue cases have been on the rise year after year, with 289,235 cases and 485 deaths reported in 2023. Malaria, too, remains a persistent threat, with significant increases in cases reported across various states.
As of the latest reports, Bhopal has recorded over 100 dengue cases in August 2024 alone, marking a six-year high. Throughout the year, the city has seen a significant number of cases, contributing to the nearly 3,800 dengue cases reported across Madhya Pradesh.
Regarding fatalities, there have been three to four suspected deaths
due to dengue in Madhya Pradesh, though these have not been officially
confirmed.
According to agencies, Nagar Nigam Bhopal is taking comprehensive measures to control dengue fever. Large-scale insecticide spraying and fogging operations are being conducted in affected areas to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
We spoke to Bipin whose mother is affected with Dengue ‘ I reside in Bengaluru but was visiting Bhopal for a family function, I got to know that nearly seven
children in our Netaji Hills society (Kolar) contracted dengue fever. Upon
hearing about the dengue cases, I contacted the municipal corporation at
7587595980, a number provided in newspapers for insecticide spraying
and fogging. The person I spoke to promised to inform his senior
officers, but no one came. Two days later, my mother fell ill and was
diagnosed with dengue fever. We had to pay Rs 1000 daily for her blood
tests at a pathology lab for five days. Fortunately, she recovered
without major complications. I could afford the daily tests and medications but think of a common man how much financial burden this could cause ? ‘ These kinds of stories are common in Bhopal now.
We spoke to Mehboob who native of Kamla Park who is a driver ‘ Sir when we get dengue we drink papaya leaf juice and the platelets count increases , it’s not life threatening.’ , so among common people they consider it as a normal fever they don’t have awareness that it could be fatal.
It’s crucial to understand that if a mosquito bites a dengue-infected person and then bites another person, the latter can also contract the fever. If this is the level of response from government officials in a city like Bhopal, who neglect fogging operations and force the middle class to bear medical expenses, imagine the situation in smaller villages. This issue requires urgent attention from Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav and needs to be addressed promptly.
High court intervention
The principal bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur directed the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on dengue cases within three days. This order was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by RTI activist Vijay Bajaj, who highlighted the rising number of dengue patients in Madhya Pradesh through his petition
Government’s Response: A Mixed Bag
The NCVBDC administers the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, which aims to combat these diseases through various measures, including the procurement of pesticides. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questionable. Despite significant investments in pesticides and other control measures, the incidence of these diseases continues to rise.
Statements from Health Officials
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating malaria by 2030, stating that efforts are being made at the ground level to reduce the burden of the disease. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient and poorly implemented. The lack of timely diagnosis and treatment, coupled with inadequate data collection, hampers effective disease control.
A Call for Action
The rising cases of dengue and malaria highlight a critical public health issue that demands immediate attention. While international diplomacy is important, the government must prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. Effective vector control measures, improved healthcare infrastructure, and timely interventions are essential to curb the spread of these deadly diseases.