File picture used for representation
The Emergency Department of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) treated at least 422 cases on the first day of Eid Al Fitr yesterday due to several reasons including stomach ailments, trauma etc, said a senior official.
Other cases the department received were related to cardiac problems, and road accidents, said Dr Mustafa Hassim, Senior Consultant at the Emergency Department, HGH.
However many of them were minor cases and sent home after treatment on the same day. The cases were received between 6am and 6pm.
“Only six patients were treated due to road traffic accidents and these were minor cases. One case was a bit critical and was admitted for treatment,” Dr Hassim told The Peninsula.
Some 24 patients were treated for cardiac problems.
The cases related to indigestion and stomach problems due to sudden consumption of heavy food after one month of fasting during Ramadan.
“Around 25 patients seeking emergency treatment were suffering from gastric issues such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and indigestion due to overconsumption of sweet and oily food. And some of them also had dehydration,” said Dr Hassim. The Emergency Department also saw 21 cases with trauma due to different reasons such as falls and slipping on the floor. “However no one was in a serious condition,” said Dr Hassim.
When Eid-Al-Fitr festivities were approaching, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) had cautioned people against road accidents. HMC’s Hamad Trauma Center has urged motorists to practice safe driving on roads, especially during Eid holidays. The centre offered recommendations to safeguard against road injuries and avoidable deaths, during this period.
It advised drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts on every trip; this is the only proven way to prevent severe injuries and death in motor vehicle crashes.
HMC has also has previously advised to prevent stomach and intestinal disorders during Eid celebrations. It advised people to avoid salty food, sugary and caffeinated drinks, and heavy fatty foods, which can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
People were also asked to keep hydrated throughout the day, choose healthy options like small portions of low-calorie, nutrient-dense food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
