LAHORE: A surge in food-poisoning cases led to an emergency-like situation in public and private hospitals across Punjab province of Pakistan, as over 18,500 patients sought medical assistance during and after the Eid celebrations. Complaints included stomach pain, heartburn, stomach irritation, and high blood pressure, with approximately 3,000 individuals admitted to government and private hospitals in Lahore alone.
The Punjab Health Department swiftly alerted hospital administrations, urging them to provide the best possible care in their emergency wards to cater to the influx of patients. Major hospitals in Lahore, such as Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, Lahore General Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital, Government Shahdara Hospital, and private hospitals, received a significant number of patients over the three-day period of Eidul Azha.
Government hospital data revealed that Mayo Hospital Lahore admitted 650 patients, Services Hospital admitted 600 patients, and 200 patients were children below the age of ten. Similarly, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore and Mian Munshi Hospital each received 200 patients. Other health facilities in Lahore division, including Government Shahdara Hospital, Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital, and Government Muzang Hospital, reported several cases of gastroenteritis.
Influx of Patients with Stomach Ailments
Emergency wards in major hospitals of the city are experiencing an increased influx of patients with gastroenteritis, as the number of patients suffering from heatstroke and cholera also continues to rise. The provincial health department has directed hospital administrations to enhance arrangements to address the situation effectively.
Health experts have advised the public to consume clean water, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid excessive outdoor activities during the ongoing hot season. The rise in patients with gastrointestinal diseases during the past three days has been observed not only in Lahore but also in various other cities of Punjab, including Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Chakwal, Narowal, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi.
Traditionally, families and friends gather and enjoy meals consisting of sacrificial animal meat and other delicacies during the festive occasion of Eidul Azha. However, the lack of precautionary measures and overeating often result in illness. Yearly, hospitals face an emergency situation, with thousands of people seeking treatment for gastrointestinal issues.
During the initial two days of Eid in Lahore, approximately 2,100 patients were admitted to the emergency wards of six major hospitals. Medical professionals advise the public to consume lemon water and yogurt while consuming meat during lunch and dinner, especially those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, and high blood pressure. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to include vegetables in their diet and reduce meat consumption during the summer season.
