Lucknow Hospitals on High Alert for Holi Festivities
Ahead of the vibrant festival of Holi, the health department in Lucknow has issued a directive requiring all government and private hospitals to maintain 24-hour emergency services. This proactive measure aims to ensure prompt medical treatment for any festival-related incidents, as emphasized by the chief medical officer's instructions.
Emergency Bed Reservations Across Key Hospitals
To bolster preparedness, approximately 190 beds have been reserved in government hospitals specifically for emergencies. Key institutions have allocated significant resources:
- King George's Medical University (KGMU): 30 beds reserved, with Dr. Premraj Singh, chief medical superintendent at KGMU Trauma Centre, noting that emergency patients receive free treatment for the first 24 hours.
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences: 20 beds set aside.
- Balrampur Hospital: At least 50 beds allocated, with Dr. Himanshu Chaturvedi, chief medical superintendent, confirming availability of adequate medicines and emergency pathology and radiology tests.
- Lok Bandhu Raj Narain Hospital: 20 beds reserved, with medical superintendent Dr. Ajay Shankar Tripathi ensuring stockpiles of oxygen and essential medicines. Specialists from dermatology, orthopaedics, general surgery, and medicine will remain on call until March 5.
- Ram Sagar Mishra Hospital in Bakshi-ka-Talab: 30 beds earmarked for patients from rural areas and Sitapur Road, with CMS Dr. VK Sharma deploying specialists in medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics.
- Joint Hospital in Thakurganj: 10 beds ready.
- Civil Hospital: 30 beds reserved.
Ambulance Services on Standby
Ambulance services have been placed on high alert to respond swiftly to emergencies. Operated by EMRI Green Health Services, 108 and 102 ambulances are stationed near accident-prone areas and key locations across the city. TVSK Reddy, president of EMRI Green Health Services, stated that these vehicles are equipped with oxygen, medicines, and necessary equipment to handle a range of emergencies.
For the public, the 108 service is available for accidents, burns, heart or breathing issues, skin reactions, and other emergencies, while the 102 service assists pregnant women and children up to two years old. Across Uttar Pradesh, a robust fleet of 2,200 ambulances under the 108 service and 2,270 under the 102 service remains operational to support the increased demand during the festival period.
Comprehensive Health Readiness
This extensive preparation underscores the health department's commitment to public safety during Holi. By ensuring round-the-clock emergency services, reserved beds, and alert ambulance networks, authorities aim to mitigate risks associated with the celebrations and provide immediate care when needed. Residents are encouraged to utilize these services responsibly to enjoy a safe and healthy Holi.
