Ahead of Diwali, the health department ordered all government hospitals in Rajasthan to remain in emergency mode due to the risk of firecracker‑related injuries and fires.
Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvasur said emergency doctors, paramedical staff and burn‑unit personnel have been asked to cancel leave and remain on duty so that treatment is immediately available in any emergency.
Details of preparations
In Jaipur, all government hospitals will stock sufficient medicines and equipment in their burn units. The district hospital in Barmer has set up a special 10‑bed emergency ward with two doctors on continuous duty.
Munger Sadar Hospital will deploy two doctors round the clock in the emergency ward from 8 to 16 November, and has been instructed to run ECG, blood‑sugar, blood‑pressure and X‑ray tests continuously.
In Barmer, 86 ambulances have been put on alert; ambulance provider EMRI Green Health Services has been told to equip staff with necessary medicines. Emergency numbers 102 and 108 remain available.
Patient trends
At Barmer district hospital, OPD footfall was lower than normal, while only 11 patients were treated in the emergency ward. Changes in weather and Diwali food have led to an increase in complaints of stomach gas, acidity and colds, senior physician Dr. Sudip Saran said.
- All government hospitals will have fully equipped burn units.
- Doctor shifts in emergency wards will run 24 hours.
- In Barmer, 86 ambulances will remain on 24‑hour alert and can be reached on 102/108.