CHITWAN: Chitwan Medical College (CMC) has been providing emergency services to approximately 150 patients daily during the Dashain holidays.
According to the hospital, the patients seeking treatment are primarily suffering from road accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and health issues related to food and beverage consumption.
Dr. Dayaram Lamsal, a professor at the Department of Liver at CMC, noted based on his three decades of experience in emergency care that many people are forced to visit the hospital due to a lack of caution regarding diet and lifestyle during festivals. Common issues reported include food poisoning, choking on bones, consumption of wild mushrooms, burn injuries, falls from rooftops, and electric shocks.
Dr. Lamsal stated that excessive consumption of alcohol is a primary factor behind many of these health problems. He said, ‘Many accidents occur due to driving under the influence of alcohol during festivals, and we see an equal number of patients arriving with injuries from physical altercations.’ He urged people to avoid driving after drinking and to refrain from conflicts that could lead to physical harm, emphasizing that these precautions are essential for personal safety rather than merely avoiding traffic penalties.
Furthermore, patients with chronic conditions often face complications because they neglect their regular medication while busy with festive activities. Dr. Lamsal warned that the high consumption of oily and meat-based foods, smoking, and alcohol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. He also added that poor dietary habits combined with sleep deprivation from staying awake late at night significantly raise health risks during the festive period.
