Kolkata Hospitals Overwhelmed by Post-Holi Health Crisis
In the aftermath of Holi celebrations, Kolkata has witnessed a significant surge in hospital admissions, with scores of residents rushed to medical facilities suffering from a range of illnesses and injuries. Over the past two days, numerous cases of severe diarrhoea and vomiting have been reported, primarily linked to excessive consumption of food and drinks during the festivities.
Trauma and Eye Injuries on the Rise
Hospital outpatient departments across the city have been inundated with patients presenting with eye injuries, skin rashes, and trauma-related wounds since Wednesday morning. While such injuries are common during Holi, medical professionals note a marked increase this year. Dr. Nishant Agarwal, head of emergency at Charnock Hospital, explained that his facility alone treated approximately 30 patients since Tuesday afternoon.
"These injuries are routine during the Holi period, but this year we observed a higher number of limb injuries," stated Dr. Agarwal. "Beyond binge drinking and overeating, exposure to heat can trigger sudden dizziness and nausea. We received multiple patients with cuts and even fractures. Many trauma injuries occurred from slips or falls after individuals were hurled into pools of colors, where they often hit the surface and ingested chemical-laden water, leading to severe stomach upset."
Alcohol-Related and Heat Complications
BP Poddar Hospital reported a surge in patients suffering from dehydration, acute gastritis, and alcohol-related illnesses. Dr. Rajdip Sen, a consultant physician, highlighted that most cases involved persistent vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, and generalized weakness following binge drinking combined with prolonged heat exposure.
"While the majority of patients are managed in the outpatient department, we admitted three to our emergency department," Dr. Sen added. Similarly, Dr. Sarbajit Ray, a consultant physician at ILS Hospitals in Salt Lake, noted a post-Holi increase in alcohol-related illnesses, eye injuries, and heat-related complications.
"Prolonged outdoor celebration in the heat, especially when mixed with alcohol consumption, has resulted in dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even sudden loss of consciousness," Dr. Ray said. "We treated many with these symptoms, and eye irritation or injuries from colors are also commonly reported after Holi."
Skin and Chronic Condition Flare-Ups
Techno DAMA Hospital saw an influx of patients with sensitive skin issues, including dermatitis, rashes, and chemical burns. Dr. MS Purkait, the medical superintendent, expressed concern over asthma flare-ups and diabetic patients with elevated blood sugar levels due to consumption of sweets and high-calorie drinks.
"Patients with asthma suffered flare-ups, which was quite a serious concern for us," Dr. Purkait remarked. "We also received diabetic patients who came with high blood sugar levels from indulging in festive treats."
Irreversible Eye Injuries from Toxic Colors
Disha Eye Hospitals treated numerous cases of chemical burns from toxic synthetic colors and corneal abrasions from water balloons over the last three days. Dr. Aditya Pradhan, a senior consultant in cornea and external disease, emphasized the severity of these injuries, which can sometimes be irreversible.
"If colors enter the eye, it is crucial to avoid rubbing it," Dr. Pradhan advised. "Instead, rinse thoroughly with clean water and seek immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage."
The collective reports from Kolkata hospitals underscore the health risks associated with Holi celebrations, urging the public to exercise caution with food, drink, and the use of colors to prevent such incidents in the future.
