Pune: Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) noted that around 707 patients were taken to hospitals during the Ashadh Wari from Alandi to Pandharpur this year.
Of these 707 patients, 183 patients were in the age group of 51 to 60 years. According to data furnished by MEMS, most patients complained of giddiness followed by abdominal pain till July 25.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Dnyaneshwar Shelke, Chief Operating Officer at BVG MEMS, said that 707 patients sought help from the 108 ambulance service.
“The ambulance service took 707 patients to hospitals from the Wari between July 4 to July 26, which means that these were emergency patients. The data recorded from these patients highlights that senior citizens who are not in a good shape become part of the wari and fall sick after the Wari. There should be enough awareness among them to reach out to emergency services in time to avoid unfortunate incidents,” said Shelke.
The data shows that out of the 707 patients, 86 reported giddiness, 70 reported abdominal pain, 49 reported chest pain, heart problems and strokes, 67 reported nausea and vomiting and around 93 patients reported traumatic and accident cases, while 49 patients reported a fall.
Dr Shelke added that the weather also played a crucial role. “This year, there was rain during the wari and as a result it spread a lot of diseases. The data suggests that there were 11 cases of animal and insect bites during the Wari. Also, there were 52 fever cases,” said Shelke. He added that two important problems the pilgrims faced were seizures and unconsciousness.
“Around 33 patients were taken to the hospital because of seizures whereas 33 others were unconscious. In such cases, first responders play a vital role, as they identify the patient and then intimate emergency
services,” said Shelke.
Age Factor
According to data given by MEMS, age of the patients varied. Around four patients were taken to hospital who were below the age of 10 years. Around 24 patients were taken to hospital, who were between 11 to 20 years old and 73 patients were between 21 to 30 years old.
Between the age of 31 to 40 years, around 88 patients were taken, whereas between age of 71 and 80 years, 22 patients were taken.
Dr Shelke mentioned that the highest number of patients were from the age group of 51 to 60 years, which is 183 patients. Also, between 41 years to 50 years, 165 patients were taken and between 61 years to 70 years, 143 patients were taken for emergency. “Elders in the family usually want to become a part of yearly wari, as it is a matter of devotion. However, if the health of an elderly is not very well, then this yearly pilgrimage should be avoided,” said Shelke.
