The recent surge in dengue cases within the Jammu division, with a consistent influx of new cases being reported daily across various districts, is a serious matter. Authorities have raised concerns and claimed the appropriate measures have been taken regarding the escalating dengue cases, but two deaths in a single day speak otherwise. Once more, cases have been directed to GMC Jammu when patients reached a critical condition. This situation raises significant concerns regarding the performance of district hospitals and GMCs in their respective regions. The onus of addressing this recurring predicament primarily rests on the various municipal bodies. When a recurrent pattern of events manifests itself year after year, it signals a systemic issue in dire need of attention. It appears that authorities are not fully shouldering their responsibilities in this regard. While stringent municipal regulations exist to deter violations, it seems that enforcement is lacking. In a situation where all the necessary equipment is readily accessible, why is there a lapse in conducting regular fogging to proactively tackle the issue at its inception? A thorough inventory audit of the supplies required for anti-dengue measures before the onset of the monsoon season should be mandatory. Any identified deficiencies should have been promptly rectified.
Immediate measures, such as thorough fogging, are imperative to curtail the recent dengue surge. Concurrently, public awareness campaigns should persist to educate the populace about the disease. Addressing this multifaceted challenge necessitates a comprehensive approach. The Health and Medical Education Department should immediately address the emerging situation in different hospitals. All necessary equipment and doctors must be deployed in the emergency units of each hospital. Merely making impressive claims on paper will never resolve the current situation; it needs to be addressed by following the actual conditions on the ground. Hospitals must be well-prepared with emergency response teams to handle any sudden surge in dengue cases. Addressing this predicament requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Allowing the situation to escalate before reacting hastily is not an effective approach.