HYDERABAD: As dengue cases continue to surge across Hyderabad, the city’s healthcare system is facing a severe crisis following a complete boycott of outpatient departments (OPDs) and protests by doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff at the Civil Hospital and other government facilities.
The strike was observed after an FIR was registered against the medical superintendent (MS) of the Civil Hospital Hyderabad and several doctors and staff in connection with the death of a 17-year-old dengue patient.
On Friday, members of the Liaquat University Teachers Association (LUTA), Young Doctors Association (YDA) and Paramedical Staff Association staged a joint protest and boycotted all OPDs in solidarity with the medical professionals named as accused in the FIR.
Doctors, nurses, and paramedics wore black armbands and gathered at the Civil Hospital Hyderabad, denouncing the case as harassment and unjustified action. A similar protest and OPD shutdown were also observed at the Civil Hospital Jamshoro, leaving hundreds of patients from both twin cities without medical assistance.
On Thursday, representatives of LUTA and the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) held a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, declaring the FIR against doctors and hospital staff unacceptable and demoralizing. They warned that such actions could discourage medical professionals from performing their duties during health emergencies.
Separate wards for dengue patients have been established at the Civil Hospital Hyderabad, Bhittai Hospital Latifabad, Taluka Hospital Qasimabad, and other government hospitals, where treatment is currently underway.
Speaking to The News, YDA President Dr Roshan Chandio said the strike would continue into Saturday as a mark of protest. The FIR was registered without hearing the doctors’ version, which is sheer injustice, he said.
Dr Chandio added that a four-member inquiry committee has been formed by the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) to investigate the teenager’s death, stressing that no negligence was found during his treatment.
He further stated that the hospital administration and the accused doctors would present their stance before the relevant court on November 3, expressing the hope that justice would prevail.
According to a statement issued by the PRO of Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho, there are currently 330 dedicated dengue beds in seven government and ten private hospitals across Hyderabad.
During the past 24 hours, 101 new dengue patients were admitted to 17 hospitals, while 73 are under treatment in government facilities and 125 in private hospitals. With dengue cases rising sharply, the deputy commissioner, Hyderabad mayor, and MQM representatives have intensified fumigation campaigns across the city to control the mosquito population, measures which citizens have termed inadequate.
However, according to reports from local political, social, and media sources, three dengue-related deaths were reported on Thursday and one on Friday, bringing the total fatalities in October to 22. Despite this, officials have yet to issue formal confirmation of the death toll.
The combination of a worsening dengue outbreak and hospital shutdowns has sparked growing concern among residents, who fear the health crisis could spiral further if the deadlock between the medical community and authorities continues.
According to a press release issued by the Sindh Health Department on Friday, a total of 155 dengue tests were conducted in Hyderabad during the past 24 hours. Currently, 21 laboratories including 10 government and 11 private facilities, are actively conducting dengue testing in the city.
The public has been urged to ensure that no water accumulates around their homes or workplaces, as stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
