Declare dengue as an epidemic, PIL urges Bombay HC

A PIL in Bombay High Court today urged that dengue, which has claimed several lives in the state, be declared an epidemic and steps be taken by the government on war-footing to tackle the disease.
The public interest litigation, filed by social activist Vishnu Gavali, would be heard by the high court on November 17.
Gavali prayed that the state government and concerned authorities be directed to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of dengue and malaria.
The PIL said that in the last five months, several persons have died due to dengue and malaria, which have created an "epidemic-like situation."

It alleged that that deaths have occurred due to lapse in providing medical facilities by the government.
Alleging that the state health department has totally failed to stop or prevent the situation, the PIL prays that the authorities be directed to take immediate preventive steps.

"The state government hospitals and semi-government hospitals, including Directorate of Health should not play with the life of common man and no one should die without getting medical services and health care facilities," says the PIL.
It alleged that the medical facility provided at the government hospitals was not adequate and patients often have to approach private hospitals which charge high fees. A lot of people in rural and even urban areas cannot afford the costs of private hospitals, as a result of which they suffer.

The government and concerned municipal bodies have failed to clear debris and other garbage, which has resulted in accummulation of stagnant water in urban and rural areas. Even ponds have not been cleaned, which has become a breeding place for mosquitoes, alleges the PIL.
It condemned the stand taken by the health department that it will help only if local bodies approach them.
Further, the state government has "miserably failed" to create awareness among people about the disease and there is an urgent need to keep the environment clean, the PIL says.
Stating that an urgent note should be taken of the "epidemic-like situation" caused by dengue, the PIL seeks that medical facilities must be declared as "essential" and must be provided to all those suffering from the dreaded disease.