• Source:JND
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Seasonal diseases are on the rise in Bihar amid soaring temperatures, which is severely affecting the health of locals. Due to heatwave conditions, West Champaran’s Bettiah Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) is experiencing a significant influx of patients suffering from a variety of heat-related illnesses, including skin diseases, dehydration, heatstroke, stomach diseases and headaches. 

On Monday alone, about 1,300 patients were treated in the outpatient department (OPD) for heat-related and seasonal diseases. Detailed OPD data revealed that 110 patients were treated for skin diseases, 163 for eye problems and 267 for fever, affecting people of all ages. Additional cases included vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach aches, headaches and heat-related diseases.

Hospital Manager Mohammad Shahnawaz reported that the daily patient count has soared to over 1,500 in both OPD shifts, a stark contrast to the usual 500 to 600 patients seen when the heat was less intense. Currently, every bed in the medicine ward is occupied as the maximum temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius on Monday.

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GMCH also established an 18-bed air-conditioned AES-JE ward for patients suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Hospital Manager Shahnawaz noted that a 30-bed air-conditioned ward is also available for these conditions, with 56 types of medicines stocked. 

Pediatrician Dr Saurabh Kumar has been appointed as the nodal officer of this ward. Additionally, 92 types of medicines are available in the OPD and 162 in the IOPD, with free medication provided to all patients.

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Dr Sanjay Kumar of GMCH highlighted the importance of preventing heat-related diseases, identifying symptoms such as dry and red skin, increased body temperature, muscle weakness or cramps, tiredness, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath and increased heartbeat. He advised drinking plenty of water, consuming ORS solutions, glucose, Electral powder and energy drinks to prevent iodine deficiency due to sweating. He also recommended drinking lemon water and paying special attention to diet for heat protection.