Health Minister Arti Singh Rao issues special advisory to ensure emergency preparedness

Hospitals Across Haryana on Alert Mode for Diwali

Burn, ENT and emergency beds to be reserved; doctors to remain on call

No delay in treatment of firecracker-related injuries and other emergencies

Chandigarh, 

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has issued a special advisory directing all hospitals across the state to remain on alert during the Diwali festival and strengthen their emergency preparedness. In view of the possibility of an increase in burn injuries and respiratory problems due to firecrackers and other accidents during the festive season, she has directed all government and private hospitals to keep dedicated burn wards ready.

Hospitals have also been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines and medical supplies, including bronchodilators, oxygen cylinders and burn treatment kits, at emergency centres.

To ensure prompt treatment of people injured in firecracker-related incidents or other accidents, government hospitals have been directed to reserve more than 20 beds for emergency cases. Since road accidents, burn injuries and eye-related injuries generally increase on Diwali compared to normal days, beds will also be reserved in the Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics and Surgery departments, in addition to emergency wards.

The Health Minister has directed that specialists in Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics and Surgery remain on alert and available on call to ensure immediate and effective treatment for patients.

Orders have also been issued to ensure the availability of specialists from both government and private hospitals to handle any emergency on Diwali. Adequate numbers of stretchers, beds, IV stands, IV fluids and antibiotics must also be readily available for burn patients.

Medical staff and specialists will not be permitted to leave their respective cities during the Diwali festival. Teams of eye and ENT specialists will remain available at hospitals. Additionally, beds will be specially reserved in trauma centres and ICUs to ensure immediate care for critical patients.