DOHA - The medical personnel at Hamad Medical Corporation are gearing up to handle the rush of patients that is usually witnessed during the holy month of Ramadan, according to a senior physician.
"The number of patients escalates during Ramadan," said Dr Baha Hamadi Al Kahlout, specialist, Emergency physician, HMC. "Cases of hypertension, diabetes, accidents and stomach upset will increase. During normal days, the emergency unit attends to about 1,000 patients. But this Ramadan we expect more than 1,500 patients each day," he told The Peninsula.
This increase in cases at HMC is normal during the holy month. During the last Ramadan, HMC received over 30,000 patients with different complaints with the average daily turnout being 1,000. This year it is expected to be more.
In this month, a difference in the distribution of cases during different hours of the day is also noted. In normal days, the emergency faces a rush of patients during the morning hours. "During Ramadan, the emergency department has the highest number of patients after 9pm. So the peak hours are late at night."
"At emergency we are always ready for any- thing round-the-clock and we have good system to cover the whole crowd. Since the crisis hours will be late at night, the administration will shift more doctors and staff to the late hours," he said.
"This is the season for all kinds of disturbances. During the first few days the body finds it difficult to adjust to the situation."
Patients with hypertension, diabetes and other major illnesses are requested to be more vigilant. "People with high blood pressure and sugar should be careful. They should consult a doctor, before fasting for advice over the time of taking medicines and the diet during the month. Some patients should refrain from fasting if the doctor advices them to," said Al Kahlout.
The difference in daily routines during the month often leads people neglecting various things. Children are often left unattended. "The parents keep generally busy and the children are often neglected. During the month, there is an increase in the number of children meeting with minor accidents. Though most of these happen at home, these should not be overlooked."
In 2007, a total of 1,243 people reported to the emergency unit for treatment of injuries not related to road accidents or fire during the holy month. Some 46 of these were injured in work places, while 126 of them suffered injuries at homes. Also, 240 people were injured in road accidents during the first 15 days of last Ramadan.
By Huda NV
© The Peninsula 2008
