Ban on crackers proves a boon with PGIMER reporting significant drop in cases with firecracker eye injuries

Chandigarh : 16 November : “From the significant drop in the fire cracker
eye injuries during this Diwali reported at PGIMER-, we can infer that that
the ban on the sale of firecrackers has impacted a change in public
behaviour. It also proved a boon considering the fact that the tricity
breathed comparatively cleaner air on the festival of lights,” stated Prof.
Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER while briefing about the number of patients
with fire cracker injuries who reported at the emergency services of
Advanced Eye Centre of PGIMER.
The Director further elaborated, “In all, 15 patients were presented to the
emergency services of the Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER from the evening
of 13th November to the morning of 16th November with fire-cracker injuries
which is remarkable reduction from the previous years’ similar cases
reported at PGIMER including 42 in 2019, 47 in 2018, 92 in 2017 and 85 in
2016. Another heartening fact is that out of 15, only 1 case was reported
from Chandigarh and rest all were from adjoining states. Definitely, it
signals positive and responsible public outlook.”
Dr. Chintan Malhotra, Addl. Professor, Deptt. of Ophthamology,
PGIMER while detailing about the injured cases, shared, “The sad part is
that out of 15 injured patients, 9 were bystanders and were just enjoying
while others were bursting the crackers and rest 6 were bursting crackers
themselves. Further, 6 patients were managed conservatively on an
outpatient basis while surgery was required for 9 patients as they had
sustained grievous eye injuries. All the requisite surgeries have been
performed.”
“Out of 15 patients, 10 were males and 5 were females. The youngest
patient was 4 year old girl and the oldest patient was a 55 year old lady’,
added Dr.Malhotra.