Outrageous

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque yesterday compared the breeding capacity of Aedes mosquitos with that of the Rohingyas and claimed the rapid spread of mosquito population is the reason behind the increased number of dengue patients.

“Why such a huge number of dengue patients are there in our country? My simple answer is the spread of mosquito, spread of Aedes mosquito. These [Aedes] mosquitos are healthy and sophisticated,” he said.

Addressing a seminar at the Shaheed Milon Hall of Dhaka Medical College yesterday, the minister said, “Somehow we could not control the mosquito population. The mosquito population and the Rohingya population are growing at the same pace.”

The statement drew heavy criticism from different quarters who claimed it to be derogatory.

“When a minister makes such an unreasonable comment, then we have to think under which leaderships we are living in the country. This is unfortunate,” noted rights activists Nur Khan Liton told The Daily Star.

When the prime minister showed her generosity and humanity by sheltering Rohingya people, such an irresponsible comment from one of her cabinet members is painful, he said.

“We are lauded globally for sheltering Rohingya people, but such a comment goes against the spirit of our magnanimity,” he said, adding that through such a comment the minister attempted to belittle the gravity of the current dengue situation.

During the seminar, the minister also urged physicians to ensure proper treatment to the dengue patients in different hospitals across the country.

“We can ensure that no one suffering from dengue fever is out of healthcare facility. The doctors who are providing treatment to the dengue patients were given training,” he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, Zahid said as the number of Aedes mosquitoes have increased this monsoon, the number of dengue patients is also on the rise, but the government is trying its best to control the situation.

Citing data of the health ministry, he said a total of 7,766 dengue patients were admitted in different city hospitals from January 1 to July 23 this year. Of them, only 94 were admitted to hospitals outside the capital.

Noting that eight people died of dengue fever so far this year, the health minister said a total of 5,938 dengue patients have received treatment from different hospitals this year, while 1,823 patients are currently receiving treatment.

About the government steps to control the dengue situation, he said about 2,000 doctors and nurses of 23 public hospitals and 41 private hospitals have already been trained on the treatment of dengue and Chikungunya this year.