Health dept finalises arrangements for facilities on Eid-ul-Azha occasion

LAHORE: While the health professionals have warned the people to avoid excessive consumption of sacrificial meat on Eid-ul-Azha, the Punjab health department has finalised necessary arrangements to provide efficient medical cover to the people during Eid holidays.

The Punjab Health Department has issued instructions to heads of medical institutions to make all necessary arrangements to ensure uninterrupted treatment facilities to the people in all government hospitals across the province.

As per instructions, the emergency departments of all hospitals will be kept fully functional for 24 hours. Similarly, operation theatres and radiology departments will also work round the clock so that immediate medical facilities can be provided to patients coming at any time.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique also held a meeting in which necessary arrangements for smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

The Health Department has directed that all necessary arrangements should be completed for trauma and surgical emergencies and the availability of specialist doctors, nursing staff and paramedical staff should be ensured at all times. The presence of a physician, surgeon and orthopedic surgeon has also been made mandatory. The administration of every hospital has been instructed to stock up on IV fluids, ORS, antibiotics, fever reducers and surgical supplies so that there is no shortage of medications.

On Eid-ul-Azha, patients suffering from stomach disorders, hypertension, food poisoning and heart complications generally rush to hospitals due to excessive consumption of sacrificial meat.

According to health experts, emergency wards often receive patients complaining of severe acidity, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration, gallbladder problems and elevated blood pressure caused by continued overeating in Eid gatherings.

They warn that the problem is not the meat itself but the unhealthy manner in which it is consumed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026