Surat Faces Health Crisis as Seasonal Diseases Claim 10  Lives

Surat, Gujarat – In Surat, over 10 people have reportedly died in the last fortnight due to seasonal diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Despite the clear warning signs, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has come under severe criticism for its negligence in sanitation efforts and lack of timely pesticide spraying in the city’s vulnerable areas.

The worst-hit localities in Surat  include Pandesara, Bhestan, Punagam, Godadara, and Dindoli, all densely populated with limited access to quality healthcare. Residents in these areas allege that SMC failed to take preventive steps during the monsoon, allowing mosquito-borne and waterborne diseases to spiral out of control.

Dr. Jigisha Patia from Surat Civil Hospital revealed alarming trends, stating, “The monsoon has led to a consistent rise in patients suffering from seasonal ailments. Our OPDs in Medicine and Pediatrics are seeing over 600 patients daily—much higher than usual. We’ve seen cases of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cough, and rashes, primarily from working-class localities where sanitation is poor.”

She further added, “The number of patients always spikes a few days after rainfall ends. On June 30 alone, we registered over 3,300 OPD cases, the highest since the monsoon began.”

According to Civil Hospital records, 733 patients were admitted in June with seasonal diseases, including 223 malaria and 113 dengue cases. Doctors have warned that if the rainfall continues, these numbers are likely to rise sharply in July.

“Waterlogging in societies and clogged drainage are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. With rainwater seeping into homes, the risk of infections multiplies,” said a senior health official. “People must boil water before drinking and ensure no stagnant water is left around.”

Locals claim that SMC’s health department failed to conduct proper pesticide spraying and garbage clearance drives, even after repeated complaints. The result: an explosion in malaria, dengue, typhoid, jaundice, and severe gastro and skin infections.

“I lost my younger brother to severe dehydration and fever. We rushed from one hospital to another, but by the time he got treatment, it was too late,” said Ramesh Solanki, a resident of Bhestan. “What’s the use of government bodies if they can’t act on time?”

SMC officials have so far remained tight-lipped, but public outrage is growing. Health activists are demanding immediate fogging operations, clean-up drives, and awareness campaigns in the most affected zones.

With 2,200–2,500 OPD cases still being reported daily, Surat’s health infrastructure is under strain. If SMC doesn’t act fast, the situation could escalate into a full-blown health emergency.