An alarming situation unfolded in Punjab during the recent Eid-ul-Azha festivities as thousands of people were admitted to hospitals across the province with gastrointestinal problems. The spike in admissions was primarily attributed to overeating and a lack of precautionary measures while consuming meat and other foods. Public and private hospitals in Punjab, including those in Lahore, declared an emergency, ensuring the provision of necessary medical care to the affected individuals.
During the Eid holidays, approximately 18,000 citizens in Punjab sought medical attention for gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, stomach pain, and high blood pressure. The root cause was identified as overeating and a disregard for precautionary measures while consuming meat and other food items.
Emergency Situation Declared in Punjab:
In response to the overwhelming number of patients, an emergency situation was declared in Punjab and Lahore’s public and private hospitals. The Punjab Health Department promptly alerted hospital administrations, urging them to provide the best possible facilities in their emergency wards.
The influx of patients during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays placed a significant burden on hospitals in Lahore and across Punjab. Major hospitals, including Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore General Hospital, Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital, and Government Shahdara Hospital, witnessed a surge in admissions. To accommodate the growing number of patients, additional arrangements were made, and medical staff worked diligently to provide the necessary care.
Eid-ul-Azha is a religious festival celebrated nationwide, involving the sacrifice of animals. During this auspicious occasion, families and friends gather to consume the meat of the sacrificed animals and other festive foods. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore precautionary measures, leading to overeating and subsequent health issues. This pattern of neglecting precautions during Eid-ul-Azha has resulted in an annual surge in emergency cases related to gastrointestinal ailments.
According to estimates, a staggering 18,000 patients sought emergency treatment for gastrointestinal issues in public hospitals across Punjab during the three days of Eid. The emergency wards were flooded with patients experiencing stomach pain and related symptoms. In Lahore alone, 2,000 patients were admitted to the emergency wards of six major hospitals during the initial two days of Eid.
Hospital Admissions and Health Department Monitoring:
Mayo Hospital Lahore admitted around 650 patients, with 600 patients seeking treatment at Service hospitals, 200 of whom were below the age of ten. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore and Mian Munshi Hospital also received 200 patients each. The Punjab Health Department spokesperson emphasized that the department had advised hospitals to make necessary arrangements ahead of the Eid holidays. Hospital administrations’ comprehensive preparations ensured that adequate facilities were provided to patients throughout the three-day Eid period, with the department monitoring the arrangements closely.
Health experts and officials have emphasized the importance of precautionary measures to prevent gastrointestinal issues during Eid-ul-Azha. They advised the public to incorporate lemon and yoghurt into their diet while consuming meat and recommended that individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney issues, and high blood pressure avoid overeating. Furthermore, experts encouraged people to include vegetables in their meals and limit their meat consumption during the summer season.
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In addition to hospital admissions, citizens flocked to pharmacies and medical stores across the city of Lahore to purchase medicine to alleviate the effects of overeating. The demand for medication increased significantly during the Eid period, highlighting the widespread impact of food poisoning incidents.
The surge in hospital admissions during Eid-ul-Azha due to food poisoning incidents has raised concerns about the importance of practising precautionary measures while consuming meat and other foods. Public awareness campaigns, coupled with individual responsibility, can help prevent such gastrointestinal ailments. The Punjab Health Department and hospital administrations played a crucial role in providing immediate medical care and facilities during emergency situation. It is imperative for individuals to prioritize their well-being and exercise caution during festive occasions to avoid unnecessary health risks.
