The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and other government hospitals in Chandigarh recorded 141 injuries due to bursting of crackers on Diwali.
Even as UT director, health services, Rakesh Kashyap maintained that the high court restrictions on bursting of crackers had a positive effect in terms of Diwali-related emergency cases at government hospitals, the injuries saw just a marginal dip from 153 last year.
Of the 37 patients who came to the PGIMER with eye injuries, 16 were from the tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula) while 19 came from other parts of the region. As many as 35 of these injuries were reported on the day of celebrations.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, PGIMER director Dr Jagat Ram said: “More than 50% of the patients suffered grievous eye injuries.”
Eleven of these patients required surgical intervention to salvage the eye. Most of them were from out of town.
Dr M Dogra, the head of ophthalmology department, PGIMER, said 19 patients were below the age of 16, the youngest being a seven-year-old from Kharar.
Also, bystanders outnumbers those bursting the crackers when it came to eye injuries. While 11 patients were injured which lighting crackers, 26 were bystanders.
“It is unfortunate that those who are not even directly involved with bursting of crackers become the sufferers,” said Dr Jagat Ram.
{{/usCountry}}“It is unfortunate that those who are not even directly involved with bursting of crackers become the sufferers,” said Dr Jagat Ram.
{{/usCountry}}Suggesting a way out, doctors gave an example of other countries, including Australia, where people are not allowed to burst crackers outside their homes.
The Mohali civil hospital in Phase 6 received a total of 18 cases of burns and minor eye injuries. Among 16 cases of burns, 11 were of children.
“Fortunately there was no major injury. All patients were discharged after administering first aid,” said senior medical officer Surinder Singh.
Meanwhile, Dr G Dewan, deputy medical superintendent of Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, said: “No major injury was reported in the hospital. It seems Green Diwali campaigns had a positive impact.”