Garbage piles near health ministry raise dengue concerns

Colombo, June 22 (Daily Mirror) - Garbage has accumulated along Norris Canal Road and several surrounding areas within a 50-metre radius of the Ministry of Health, creating potential dengue mosquito breeding grounds, according to Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights.

Dr. Sanjeewa said large amounts of waste had been dumped on roadsides and pathways, particularly along Norris Canal Road, posing a growing public health concern.

He said that residential properties, apartment complexes and hotels located around the Ministry of Health have also been affected by the situation.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the garbage has remained unattended for several days, allowing rainwater to collect in discarded items such as orange peels and other waste materials, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

He warned that the unsanitary conditions could also pose a risk to patients receiving treatment at the nearby National Hospital of Sri Lanka and several private hospitals in the area.

Dr. Sanjeewa called on the Deputy Director General of the National Hospital, the Secretary to the Health Ministry and the relevant divisions of the Colombo Municipal Council responsible for sanitation services to take immediate action to remove the garbage and address the potential dengue threat.