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.
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.
