People in rural areas are not aware of most diseases, their causes and effects of the various medicines on the body. Yet, they believe in self-treatment. Despite an active dengue outbreak these days, people are still following traditional norms. Instead of seeing a doctor, they continue to give their patients papaya leaf nectar, which can be dangerous as it causes diarrhoea and vomiting to an extremely dehydrated dengue patient. Apart from the lack of awareness, there is a dearth of doctors who may advise people not to treat themselves. The government should hold awareness campaigns and ensure the availability of doctors in rural areas.
AIZA RAFAQAT
LAHORE
