DNA India
18 June 2010
By Linah Baliga
Mumbai, India
Increase in construction activity has resulted in increase in number of malaria cases. While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s health department has recorded 23 deaths till June 16 this year, the Municipal Mazdoor Union claims that 38 people have died of malaria so far.
Sharad Rao, president of the union, said a construction site is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “There is no staff in hospitals. Also, supply of medicines for malarial workers is inadequate.rdquo;
“Malarial workers function without gumboots during monsoon,rdquo; he added.