Following Eid ul Azha celebrations, Lahore has witnessed a significant increase in cases of diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, overwhelming major public hospitals across the city. More than 9,000 patients sought treatment for stomach-related ailments in the days after the festival, highlighting the impact of excessive meat consumption and unhygienic food practices.
Data from six prominent government hospitals in Lahore revealed that Mayo Hospital alone admitted over 2,000 patients with gastro symptoms. Jinnah Hospital treated approximately 1,500 such cases, while Services Hospital managed more than 1,200 patients suffering from similar conditions. Additionally, General Hospital and Gangaram Hospital collectively reported upwards of 1,000 gastroenteritis cases, keeping emergency departments busy as medical staff addressed dehydration and foodborne infections.
Health experts linked this surge to overeating, improper food storage, and the intake of spicy, fatty meat dishes typical of Eid celebrations, which can strain the digestive system, especially in the prevailing hot weather. The combination of these factors has contributed to the sharp rise in hospital admissions.
Doctors have urged the public to exercise caution with their diets during festive occasions, emphasizing moderation in portion sizes and advising against consuming improperly stored or reheated food. They also recommended that individuals with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure avoid heavily spiced meat dishes.
To promote better digestive health, medical professionals suggested incorporating fresh salads and fiber-rich foods into meals. Authorities stressed the importance of annual awareness campaigns before Eid ul Azha to educate citizens on food hygiene and prevent avoidable hospital visits caused by dietary excess and unsafe food handling.
