Anti-encroachment drive increases health issues for Karachi residents

KARACHI: Due to the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in the metropolis, a surge in health issues has been seen in residents, while putting others at risk of smoke-related diseases.

In Karachi, winter season is approaching and there is an increase in dust particles in the air due to rubble of the demolished structures.

Jinnah Hospital’s Dr Mohammad Usman said: "There has been an increase of around 20 per cent in patients coming to my OPD."

He said that Novovirus attack, pneumonia, bronchitis etc are common in these days and patients have been complaining of eye redness, breathing issues and allergies.

According to doctors, patients should take precautions such as using a mask and taking care of diet.

Medical experts said that women children and older people also need to take good measures to save themselves from dust-induced health issues.

The SC had on October 27 ordered the Sindh government to recover encroached land within 15 days.