Hyderabad: President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) Muhammad Saleem Memon has called for immediate preventive measures to control the potential spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases in Hyderabad following the recent monsoon rains.
Memon urged the Sindh government and relevant departments not to wait for dengue cases to rise before taking action. He warned that accumulated rainwater in streets, roads, open plots, drains, construction sites, markets and industrial areas could provide suitable breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He said Hyderabad has reported dengue cases in the past, making early surveillance and preventive action particularly important during the monsoon season. According to him, areas identified as mosquito-breeding hotspots in previous years should be inspected again and monitored closely in light of the recent rainfall.
Memon called for the immediate removal of stagnant rainwater, improved sanitation and regular monitoring of mosquito larvae. He also urged authorities to inspect blocked drains, vacant plots, discarded tyres, open containers, garbage sites and other locations where water can collect and allow mosquitoes to breed.
He proposed a coordinated strategy involving the Health Department, district administration, Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Town Municipal Administrations, Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation, Hyderabad Development Authority and Sindh Solid Waste Management Board.
According to Memon, effective coordination between these departments is essential because dengue prevention cannot be handled by a single institution. Municipal authorities should identify high-risk locations and take timely action to remove stagnant water and improve cleanliness.
He also urged the Directorate General of Health Services Sindh and the District Health Officer Hyderabad to strengthen dengue surveillance across the city. Sensitive areas should be identified and regularly monitored so that mosquito breeding can be detected before the disease begins spreading widely.
Memon further stressed the importance of advance preparation at public hospitals. He called for dengue wards and beds to remain ready, along with adequate diagnostic facilities, medical staff and arrangements for the timely referral and treatment of suspected patients.
He said preventive action should begin before the situation becomes serious, emphasizing that authorities should use the current period to eliminate potential mosquito-breeding sites rather than waiting until hospitals begin receiving increasing numbers of dengue patients.
The HCSTSI has also formally raised the matter with the Sindh government, sending letters to the Sindh Health Minister and Chief Secretary requesting immediate measures to strengthen dengue prevention in Hyderabad.
Memon said the business community and chamber are ready to cooperate with government departments and other relevant institutions in efforts to keep Hyderabad safe from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
The call comes as monsoon conditions increase the risk of stagnant water accumulating in urban areas. Health authorities generally emphasize that eliminating mosquito breeding sites, improving sanitation and maintaining surveillance are key components of dengue prevention.
With early preventive measures, Memon believes the authorities can reduce the risk of a dengue outbreak and protect residents before the situation becomes more difficult to control.
