PESHAWAR: The number of children suffering from different viral diseases has increased as Safwat Ghayyur Children’s Hospital has received over 18,000 children during the last one month.
The medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr Siraj Ahmed said that 800 children were also admitted to the hospital. He added that children have been diagnosed with measles, tetanus, hepatitis, pneumonia and various chest diseases and other such diseases.
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Dr Ahmed said that 114 children have been diagnosed with measles while children suffering from diphtheria and meningitis are also being brought to the hospital. According to him, apart from vomiting, diarrhea and cholera, pneumonia and measles were considered seasonal diseases but now these diseases are affecting children in every season. “Proper food and hygiene can prevent infectious diseases, while every child must complete the compulsory immunizations course,” he said.
He said that all laboratory tests for children are also being provided free of cost.
Child specialist Dr Sadam Hussain told Mashrq TV that most of the children are infected with Asthma, pneumonia, diarrhea and hepatitis. He put the blame on the parents, saying that most of the parents aren’t serious in immunizing children against these diseases. He added that vaccination is important however, parents should also take care of children’s food requirements to protect them from food poisoning and hepatitis. Dr Hussain maintained that proper food can also ensure strong immunity system and a new study has found that most of our children are vitamin deficient.
Dr Muhammad Nisar said that since the weather is changing, the children with weak immunity are unable to cope with intense climate. However, he added that several communicable diseases can be stopped through vaccination. “There would have no rush on children hospitals if children were properly vaccinated,” Dr Nisar said.
Nisar stressed that health department should create awareness among the masses through awareness camps at village levels. He also urged parents to stop self-medication as it has severe impacts on children health.