New Delhi, 09 November (H.S.): Around 152 patients with firecracker-related burn injuries and eye trauma were treated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, during the Diwali period. Of these, 42 patients sought treatment for burn injuries, while approximately 110 were treated at the emergency department of the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences. Eleven patients with burn injuries required hospitalisation. Meanwhile, 18 patients underwent surgery for serious eye injuries, and operations for another 20 patients are planned.

Speaking to reporters, Dr. Maneesh Singhal, Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery at AIIMS, said that 11 of the 42 patients with burn injuries had sustained serious burns, while the remaining 31 had suffered minor injuries. The latter were treated and discharged. Around 18 of the injured patients were children aged up to 18 years. Among young adults, injuries were reported predominantly to the hands, particularly the right hand. Firecrackers known as 'anar' (fountain fireworks) were responsible for most of the burns affecting the face and hands. Two cases of burns caused by potash were also reported.

According to Dr. Singhal, AIIMS recorded around 95 burn injury cases during the Diwali period last year, including patients who reported to the hospital over two to three days. This year, 42 cases have been reported so far, with more patients expected to seek treatment over the next two to three days. He noted that burn injury cases are routinely reported around Diwali and that the numbers recorded so far this year are broadly within the usual range.

According to an official statement issued by AIIMS, approximately 110 cases of eye injuries were reported between November 8, the day of Diwali, and November 9. Most of these injuries were associated with firecrackers. As many as 72 patients sustained injuries that did not pose a threat to their eyesight and were treated without surgical intervention.

The institute said that 18 patients had sustained serious injuries, including perforations and lacerations of the cornea. They underwent emergency surgical procedures in the operating theatre. In addition, surgeries for 20 other patients were scheduled for Monday. Most of those reporting eye injuries were also children and young adults.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar