Hospitals in Chennai Gear up to Treat Burn Injuries Ahead of Diwali

Hospitals in the city have opened new trauma wards, created additional beds and are keeping emergency rooms open round the clock to treat burn injuries ahead of Diwali. Every year, the number of burn injuries increases during the Diwali week across the state. Doctors say hands and eyes are most commonly affected. While the burns ward at Kilpauk Medical College will have at least 20 additional beds, Rajan Eye Care in T Nagar has opened a new ocular trauma ward. Ophthalmologists say sparklers, bombs and chakra can cause serious ocular damage.

The severity of injuries can range from irritation to retinal damage causing vision deficiencies, depending on the temperature and chemicals. “Most of the time, it is not the person bursting crackers but the bystanders who are injured,” said Agarwal Eye Hospital senior consultant Dr Triveni. “Since most of these injuries need immediate attention, we decided to open the ward before Diwali,” said ophthalmologist Dr Mohan Rajan. Children hospitals like the Institute of Child Health and Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust have also put senior doctors and nurses on duty to handle emergencies. – TOI