Outbreak of Seasonal Diseases in Bhagalpur Over 2,200 Patients Arrive at Mayaganj Hospital OPD and Over 1,200 at Sadar Hospital; Long Queues of Patients Witnessed
Bhagalpur (Senior Correspondent): Amidst continuous weather fluctuations and severe humidity, the outbreak of seasonal diseases has escalated sharply across the Bhagalpur district. An inspection of healthcare facilities and hospitals reveals that both major government hospitals in the city—Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (Mayaganj Hospital) and Sadar Hospital—are thronged with patients. Massive crowds of patients and their attendants can be seen queuing up everywhere, right from OPD registration counters and doctors' chambers to medicine distribution counters. According to the data received, while over 2,200 patient registrations were recorded in the Mayaganj Hospital OPD, the count at the Sadar Hospital OPD also crossed the 1,200 mark.
Heavy Pressure on OPDs: Maximum Cases of Viral Fever and Stomach Ailments
Changing weather patterns are compromising people's immune systems, making children, the elderly, and youth alike fall prey to seasonal illnesses:
Situation at Mayaganj Hospital (JLNMCH): As the largest regional referral hospital in the city, Mayaganj Hospital witnessed patients arriving for treatment not only from Bhagalpur but also from adjoining districts (such as Banka, Munger, Khagaria) and border areas of Jharkhand. Over 2,200 registrations were recorded in the OPD, with the longest queues observed outside the Medicine, Pediatrics, and Dermatology departments.
Situation at Sadar Hospital: Located in the heart of the city, Sadar Hospital also experienced heavy patient pressure, with over 1,200 OPD consultation tickets issued at the registration counters.
Major Diseases and Symptoms: Patients visiting the hospitals are primarily presenting complaints of high viral fever, coughing, throat infections, gastroenteritis, typhoid, and skin rashes or itching.
Hours of Waiting from Registration to Medicine Collection
The sudden surge in patient numbers has stretched hospital logistics, causing considerable hardship for visitors:
Long Queues and Heat Distress: As soon as the OPD opens in the morning, hundreds of people line up at the registration counters. Amidst humid weather, senior citizens, pregnant women, and children are forced to stand for hours waiting for their turn.
Chaos Outside Chambers: Crowds outside doctors' chambers frequently lead to jostling and unruly scenes, requiring security guards to put in strenuous efforts to manage the lines.
Rush at Pathology and Diagnostic Centers: Following doctor consultations prescribing blood, urine, and other essential tests, throngs of patients are also crowding outside pathology and X-ray centers.
Expert Advice: Exercise Special Precautions During Weather Transitions
Senior physicians and health experts at Mayaganj Hospital have advised citizens to pay special attention to their diet and daily routine during this season:
Drink Pure and Boiled Water: The risk of waterborne diseases multiplies during the rainy and humid season. Therefore, always consume boiled or filtered clean water.
Avoid Street Food and Stale Items: Strictly refrain from consuming open street food, stale meals, and pre-cut fruits.
Protect Against Mosquitoes: To prevent dengue and malaria, ensure no water stagnates around homes, wear full-body-covering clothes, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.
Do Not Self-Medicate: Avoid taking antibiotics or any medications without a doctor's advice. In case of fever or diarrhea, seek immediate examination at the nearest health center or hospital.
Hospital Administration Preparations and Claims of Improved Facilities
To handle the surging patient influx, the hospital administration has instituted several necessary measures:
Additional Counters and Arrangements: Mayaganj and Sadar hospital managements stated that additional registration and medicine distribution counters are being operated as needed to control crowds.
Adequate Stock of Medicines: According to hospital superintendents, adequate stocks of viral fever medications, ORS packets, paracetamol, and essential antibiotics are available, and free medicines are being dispensed to patients.
The arrival of over 2,200 patients at Mayaganj Hospital and over 1,200 at Sadar Hospital in a single day clearly indicates the widespread impact of seasonal ailments. A slight lapse in precaution at this juncture can prove heavy on health. Adhering to the advice of the health department and physicians regarding hygiene, dietary restraint, and timely medical consultation remains the most effective defense against these illnesses.
