Ahmedabad's Lifeline During Diwali: 85 Specialist Doctors On Call For Festive Emergencies

As the city of Ahmedabad prepares to sparkle with the joyous festivities of Diwali, residents can celebrate with an added layer of assurance: a robust medical safety net. For the eleventh consecutive year, the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) has spearheaded an extraordinary initiative, ensuring that expert medical care is just a phone call away throughout the Diwali holidays, from November 9 to November 16.

A formidable team of 85 specialist doctors, representing a diverse array of medical associations, will be on high alert, dedicated to addressing any medical emergency that may arise during this bustling period.

This proactive measure is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Ahmedabad’s medical community to public health and safety, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in celebrations without undue worry.

The collaborative spirit driving this initiative is truly commendable. Participating medical associations include the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad Family Physicians’ Association (AFPA), Ahmedabad Orthopedic Society (AOS), Ahmedabad Obstetric and Gynaecological Society (AOGS), Ahmedabad Paediatric Association (APA), Ahmedabad Surgeons’ Association (ASA), and the Ahmedabad Association of Physicians (AAP).

This comprehensive network ensures that a wide spectrum of medical specialities is covered, ready to tackle various health challenges.

Dr. Vasant Patel, the esteemed president of the AMA, emphasized the critical importance of this continuous service. “Diwali, while a time of immense happiness and togetherness, unfortunately also witnesses a noticeable uptick in specific types of medical emergencies,” he stated.

“Our primary objective is to guarantee that no individual suffers due to a lack of immediate medical attention during these crucial holiday days.” He further assured the public that dedicated phone numbers for these on-call doctors would be widely publicized, enabling swift access to expert advice and urgent care.

The medical teams are particularly prepared for a range of issues commonly associated with the festive season.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Firecracker-Related Injuries: Burns, intricate eye injuries, and lacerations are tragically common consequences of improper handling of fireworks.
• Respiratory Distress: The increased atmospheric pollution from firecrackers can significantly worsen conditions for individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues like asthma or other breathing difficulties.
• Road Traffic Accidents: The surge in traffic volume, coupled with festive revelry, often leads to an unfortunate rise in road accidents.
• Gastrointestinal Ailments: Changes in dietary habits and the consumption of rich, sometimes unhygienic, festive foods can trigger indigestion, food poisoning, and other digestive troubles.

Beyond the on-call specialists, a city-wide directive has been issued to private hospitals and nursing homes in Ahmedabad.

They have been strongly advised to maintain optimal staffing levels and enhance their preparedness for a potential increase in emergency cases. This multi-pronged, collaborative strategy ensures that Ahmedabad's healthcare system remains robust and responsive throughout the entire festive duration.

This remarkable display of foresight and collective responsibility by Ahmedabad’s medical fraternity truly underpins their dedication to community well-being.

It empowers residents to cherish the spirit of Diwali with genuine peace of mind, knowing that expert, compassionate medical assistance is always within reach.