Every now and then, I come across at various platforms and in different setting discussions and debates over kite flying and its hazards. In my professional capacity as a physician, I recently saw first-hand how dangerous this activity can be. A three-year-old child was brought to hospital with a deep cut on her throat that was caused by a sharp kite string when she was on a motorcycle with her parents in the Garden East area.
She was shifted to the ENT Department of Dr Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, for treatment, where she was received by a senior postgraduate trainee doctor, who, after taking all aseptic measures, sutured the wound.
Kites are very popular in Pakistan. Over the years, both kite-flying and kite-making skills have evolved. The conventional cotton threads that were used as kite string (maanja) have been replaced by much cheaper but dangerously sharper Chinese maanja, which is based on non-biodegradable synthetic fibres.
The availability of this particular string has caused a sudden surge in patients who are brought to hospitals with string-related injuries. These apparently trivial looking injuries can also take lives.
Even those who favour the continuation of such activities in the name of fun and sports would agree that there should be designated places for kite-flying, while the use of all other areas, including rooftops, should be strictly prohibited for such activities, and strict action should be taken against those who violate the ban.
Awareness should be spread among people through electronic media and by information booklets and pamphlets about the danger this activity poses. It is a tragedy that a sport that was supposed to be safe and enjoyable has turned into a killer sport owing to lack of awareness and use of dangerous strings.
DR AYESHA OWAIS
KARACHI
