With vehicular movement expected to increase exponentially, the number of road accidents usually sees an uptick during the Puja days
As Guwahati gets ready for the grand Durga Puja celebrations, hospitals across the city are gearing up for the increased inflow of patients, especially those arising from festival-related emergencies. With the streets buzzing with excitement, processions, and the vibrant atmosphere that Durga Puja brings, medical facilities in the city are under pressure to ensure seamless healthcare services throughout the festive period.
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Durga Puja is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Guwahati, drawing large crowds to the city. Every year, hundreds of pandals are set up, and thousands of devotees flock to various parts of the city to seek blessings, participate in rituals, and enjoy cultural programmes. While the celebrations bring joy and colour to the city, they also lead to a surge in certain emergencies. Hospitals brace for the possibility of road accidents, health complications due to long hours spent standing in queues, food poisoning from street food, and the general need for healthcare in such a populous gathering.
One of the main concerns that crops up each year during festivals like Durga Puja is the shortage of medical staff in hospitals.
Talking to GPlus, Manoj Doley, a resident of Kahilipara shared his experience on the difficulties of accessing medical care during last year’s celebrations.
"In emergencies, many staff are not available during Durga Puja. I remember last year, my cousin met with an accident, and when we went to the medical emergency, we had to wait for two hours because there were no staff in the hospital," Doley said.
His story is not an isolated case. During major festivals, many hospital staff members take leave to celebrate with their families, leading to reduced capacity in hospitals. However, healthcare institutions seem to have taken cognisance of this issue and are working to mitigate the effects of staff shortages this year.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from GMCH said, “We are fully aware of the challenges that festivals like Durga Puja bring. During such times, we make sure to have extra vigilance, especially in our emergency wards," the official said. "Our senior doctors are always on duty during these high-pressure periods, and even if some staff take leave to celebrate, we ensure replacements are arranged in advance. We cannot afford any gaps in patient care, especially during festivals when we anticipate a higher number of accident cases and other emergencies.”
He added that the hospital has a system in place to check for staffing shortages well in advance to avoid delays in treatment. "We have learned from past experiences that being prepared is crucial, so we have made sure that no department is left short-handed. Emergencies do not wait, and neither can we," he said.
Private hospitals are also preparing for the increased demand.
Talking to GPlus, an official from a private hospital on GS Road said, "Durga Puja is a busy time for us. We always have doctors on duty, but during the festival, we make sure to strengthen our team because we know accidents tend to spike," the official explained. "We do not take any chances. In fact, we increase our workforce during these days to ensure that we can respond to emergencies quickly. Whether it is road accidents or health complications from the festivities, we stay extra alert. This is a time when we know we will be needed the most, and we are fully prepared for it."
To ensure the smooth functioning of hospitals during Durga Puja, medical institutions have come up with detailed plans, especially for emergency services. With the streets packed with devotees and vehicular movement increasing exponentially, the number of road accidents usually sees an uptick during the Puja days. Hospitals in the city are aware of this and have set up emergency teams to handle accident-related injuries swiftly.
Talking to GPlus, an official from a private hospital in Lokhra road said, "We have a history of seeing more accident cases during this time, and hence we keep our emergency units fully operational. We also coordinate with the traffic police to make sure that patients can reach us quickly, even when the roads are congested with festival crowds."
The Guwahati Police has also issued advisories for managing medical emergencies during Durga Puja, urging the organisers to appoint medical teams to be on standby. These teams will be responsible for handling any emergencies that may arise at the pandals, such as injuries or health issues from the large crowds.
Talking to GPlus, an official from Paltan Bazar police station said, "We have asked all committees to make sure they have a dedicated medical team in place during the celebrations. It’s important that they are prepared for any emergencies before professional help arrives. The committees have also been advised to submit a list of volunteers to the nearest police station in advance, so we can coordinate efficiently if needed."
To manage the large crowds expected during the festivities, the police have recommended setting up separate entry and exit points for men and women. "This helps ensure smoother crowd movement and prevents any chaos or overcrowding. It’s all about keeping the public safe while allowing them to enjoy the celebrations," the official added.
Health officials have stressed the importance of safe driving, advising festival-goers to avoid drinking and driving, especially after late-night celebrations. The Traffic Police have also increased vigilance on the roads and plan to set up more checkpoints to deter reckless driving and ensure that people abide by traffic rules.
Doctors are also urging people to be mindful of their health, especially those with chronic illnesses.
A renowned doctor in Guwahati seeking anonymity advised the public, “During Durga Puja, people tend to forget their regular health routines. If you are on medication, make sure to take it on time. Avoid standing for too long, especially in crowded places, if you have heart or respiratory issues. And always be cautious when eating food from street stalls.”
So, with all this meticulous planning, it looks like Guwahati is set for a perfectly smooth Durga Puja, right? Hospitals fully staffed, police coordinating like clockwork, medical teams on standby—what could possibly go wrong? Surely, the overcrowded streets, endless traffic jams, and packed pandals won’t throw any curveballs... and those entry and exit points? Definitely foolproof for managing the massive crowds. We are all set then, are we not? Because when have festivals ever gone off without a hitch?
