Chandigarh: The Advanced Eye Centre at PGIMER, Chandigarh, witnessed a spike in firecracker-related injuries, with 23 cases reported in the last 48 hours. Of the patients, 18 were men, five were women, and 10 were children under 14 years old, the youngest being just six. In comparison to 2022’s 40 cases, this year’s incidents included 14 patients from the tricity (Chandigarh 10, Mohali one, Panchkula one) and others from Punjab (three), Haryana (six), and Himachal Pradesh (two).
Among the 23 cases, 13 patients were bystanders, while 10 were actively involved in bursting crackers. Seven cases involved open globe injuries requiring emergency surgeries, while 16 had closed globe injuries, with 13 being serious. PGIMER authorities noted a slight decrease compared to the previous three years. In 2021, there were 15 eye injury cases, and in 2020, 27 were reported.
Additionally, the Department of Plastic Surgery at PGIMER attended to seven patients with firecracker-related injuries. Four had hand burns from crackers, three had 5 to 9 percent thermal burns, and two underwent successful surgeries. Dr. Atul Prashar, Head of Plastic Surgery, assured that all patients are out of danger.
Chandigarh reported a total of 92 burn injuries on Diwali night, with 26 eye injuries. Among the eye injuries, 24 were at GMSH-16, one at CH MM, and one at CH 45. Two cases were referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, according to a statement from the UT health official.
