The Emergency Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)’s Hamad General Hospital (HGH) received a total of 449 emergency cases from 6am until 6pm yesterday, the first day of Eid al-Adha.
This marked a decrease from last year, when more than 500 cases were reported on the same day, according to HMC officials.
Dr Yousif Mohamed Eltayeb, accident and emergency medicine consultant at HGH, said it appears that HMC’s campaign in the run-up to Eid, including tips on food intake, is yielding the desired results.
A majority of the cases reported yesterday were routine in nature.
Most of the patients were given treatment and sent back on the same day.
There were also around 54 gastroenteritis cases, 15 cardiac cases and four traffic accident cases.
HMC officials confirmed that the emergency cases reported were mostly minor ones and not many critical cases had been reported so far.
“This year, there has been no increase in the number of emergency cases compared to 2017.
In fact, fewer emergency cases were reported at HGH yesterday than on the first day of Eid al-Adha in 2017, when more than 500 cases were recorded.
Our campaign on preparations for Eid and moderation in food intake is paying off well,” Dr Eltayeb told Gulf Times.
“We had advised people to avoid high-calorie meals that are rich in fats and carbohydrates.
We had also encouraged parents to closely observe their kids during indoor as well as outdoor activities.
They must take enough safety measures to prevent children from falling and getting injured in crowded places,” he explained. “We had also advised motorists to be very cautious while driving, especially in congested areas, as well as in places where Eid celebrations are going on.”
In the coming days too, Dr Eltayeb said people must refrain from overeating, especially items with meat.
“This can prevent gastrointestinal disorders and intestinal dysplasia and indigestion.
They should also follow healthy steps when preparing food and eating it.
Do not eat fatty meals late in the evening and the last meal should be taken at least two hours before sleep,” he advised.


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