Prayagraj: Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital witnessed a sharp rise in patient footfall during the Holi festivities, with 407 people seeking treatment between March 4 and March 6 (till 3 pm), officials said on Friday.According to Dr Santosh Singh, media in-charge of Motilal Nehru Medical College, the hospital’s emergency and various departments remained busy throughout the festive period. As many as 80 patients were treated in the medicine department while 38 were admitted to the trauma centre with accident-related injuries. The hospital’s emergency OPD received 289 patients over the three days. Doctors said a large number of cases related to food poisoning that emerged as the most common health issue during the festival. Many patients also arrived with allergic reactions and skin irritation caused by Holi colours. A significant number were treated for injuries from road accidents and falls linked to intoxication, they added. Many patients reported symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and weakness. Dr Singh said the spike in such ailments is common during festivals due to irregular eating habits, consumption of stale or unhygienic food, and excessive fried food intake. “Despite the rush, medical teams ensured timely treatment for all patients,” he said. Principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College, Dr V K Pandey, said special arrangements were put in place for Holi, including additional duty rosters for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. “Thanks to preparedness from our side, the hospital was able to provide prompt care, and no major or critical incident was reported,” he said. The hospital’s modern trauma centre and burn unit also played a crucial role in handling accident and injury cases, officials added.
