Eid feasting sends over 17,000 gastro patients to Lahore hospitals

Overeating during Eidul Azha has led to a surge in gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and other stomach-related illnesses, overwhelming public hospitals in major cities including Lahore and Karachi.

In Lahore, over the past two days, more than 17,000 patients sought medical attention at the city’s six major government hospitals.

Mayo Hospital alone reported over 5,000 cases, Jinnah Hospital received more than 3,700 patients, while over 3,000 cases were recorded at Services Hospital.

Additionally, more than 2,000 patients visited General Hospital and Ganga Ram Hospital combined.

Doctors say the excessive consumption of meat and unhygienic food habits during the festive period are key factors contributing to the rise in gastro cases.

Read: Karachi man dies from brain-eating amoeba; second Naegleria death in Pakistan this year

Medical experts urged citizens to stay hydrated, eat moderately, and avoid contaminated food.

In Karachi, nearly 4,000 patients visited various hospitals within the last 24 hours on the third day of Eid. Reported cases included road accidents, animal-related injuries, knife wounds, and other health complaints.

Hospital administrations have also reported an increase in gastro and diarrhea cases. Abbasi Shaheed Hospital alone treated over 250 patients suffering from these conditions in just 12 hours.

Medicine shortages and a lack of medical staff in several hospitals raised concerns. Delays in morning shift arrivals further hampered patient care.