[sadhuji]

Even though the administration is hesitating to identify the spate of dengue related deaths as not epidemic in nature, the truth is staring us in the face. The situation is a pathetic one when we find that Doctors of AIIMS themselves are affected – one of the TV channels had shown visuals of the dirty surroundings in which the resident doctors are forced to live in - hence, the reluctance of the administration to tag the situation as an epidemic.

In the civilized world of today, it is a real shame to accept the fact that we are not conscious of what constitutes healthy surroundings or what exactly are correct methods to prevent diseases that should not exist in metropolitan cities, especially in the capital. It does not speak well of our attention to the basic needs of citizens. Issuing precautions to be taken for people who live in high rise buildings is something that is unthinkable in the modern world – it would have been OK if they were meant for illiterate or semi-literate villagers, not for the educated people who arrange for comfort by using air coolers. Where common sense should prevail, we are told to ensure that there is no stagnant water nearby, no accumulated water in car/scooter tyres, the water in the air coolers are changed at regular intervals like the water in flower vases. Also, we should use mosquito nets and wear long sleeve shirts. Basically, with open drains all over the cities, not only in the capital but in practically every major city, it is next to impossible to ensure that dangerous mosquitoes do not breed. These should be the prime responsibility of the local administrations. If the fumigation is done regularly, it would certainly help in reducing the spread of mosquito borne diseases.

If one goes deep into the subject, one would surely discover that funds are earmarked for such exercises and utilized, at least on paper. The net result is the spread of diseases with no one willing to accept it as an alarming situation. Also, in high rise buildings, the responsibility should be that of the committee that looks after the maintenance of the buildings and for which the residents have to contribute. Ultimately, we know that these will get buried in more attractive news like political divorces or nail biting finish of cricket matches. As the saying goes – what cannot be cured must be endured.