State-run Minto Ophthalmic hospital sets aside several beds to attend patients with firecracker injuries

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Eye Hospitals across the city have made ample preparations to respond to eye injuries immediately and are ready to provide non-stop services during Deepavali.

Prominent Hospitals like Minto, Narayana Nethralaya, Netradham and Dr. Agarwal's have kept medications required for treatment in stock. A separate bed system is also implemented in Minto and Narayana Nethralaya.

Eye burns and injuries can be caused by the bursting of crackers. Auditory problems can also be caused by the loud sound produced by it. The chemical fumes from these crackers can also bring about respiratory and skin problems, doctors say.

Arranged 35 beds for festival: Minto Hospital Director

Nagaraju D announced that the hospital will keep in place 35 separate beds to accommodate patients with eye injuries.

"A Medical team of specialists will be ready for treatment. Of the 35 beds, 10 beds wll be reserved for men and women, and 15 for children," added Nagaraju.

Bystanders more prone to injuries: Agarwal Eye

Hospital Bindia Hapani, head of clinical services at Agarwal Eye Hospital, warned that bystanders are more vulnerable to such injuries.

"More than 50% of those injured are onlookers," she added.

She also advised that eyes should be covered with a clean handkerchief and should be washed with water or rushed to the nearest eye hospital for treatment, after getting hurt by a firecracker.

Victoria Hospital prepared for burn treatments

The Mahabodhi Burns Treatment Centre has made necessary arrangements for emergency treatment for burns caused by firecrackers. The centre, which has 54 beds, will have doctors, nurses and support staff for 24 hours.