Outpatient department services remained closed across hospitals in Almora district for 2 consecutive days because of holidays, leaving many patients dependent on emergency units for treatment. More than 250 people visited emergency departments during the closure.

The disruption followed the regular weekly holiday on Sunday and a holiday on Monday for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. With routine consultations unavailable, emergency departments experienced a substantial increase in patient arrivals.

Emergency departments handle patient rush

More than 150 patients reached the emergency department of District Hospital Almora. Over 120 others sought treatment at the emergency department of the Base Hospital affiliated with the medical college.

Patients mainly reported fever, severe headaches, toothache and knee pain. Doctors examined those who arrived despite the holidays and provided medicines, primary treatment and medical advice.

Dr HC Gadkoti of District Hospital Almora said emergency teams attended to all patients and that the hospital administration remained committed to providing healthcare during such situations.

The available emergency services provided an alternative for patients who could not wait for outpatient departments to reopen. The report does not provide a separate figure for patients who required admission or further treatment.

Cold weather also raises health concerns in Bageshwar

A separate report from Bageshwar said hospitals there were seeing more patients with cold, cough and fever as temperatures fell. Around 80 patients with cold-related complaints reached the district hospital emergency department on Monday.

Dr Girijashankar Joshi, chief medical superintendent of the Bageshwar hospital, said timely treatment remained a priority. Health specialists advised people not to ignore persistent cold symptoms and to consult a doctor if their condition worsened.

The advice included wearing warm clothes, avoiding direct exposure to cold air in the morning and evening, eating nutritious food, keeping children and older people warm, and maintaining cleanliness. These precautions were recommended in response to changing weather and the rise in seasonal complaints.

Conclusion

2 days without outpatient services increased pressure on Almora’s emergency departments, where more than 250 patients received care. Doctors examined patients, provided medicines and offered advice, while a separate rise in seasonal illness was reported in Bageshwar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why were OPD services closed in Almora?

OPD services were closed for 2 consecutive days because of Sunday’s weekly holiday and Monday’s Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti holiday.

Q. How many patients visited emergency departments in Almora?

More than 250 patients visited the emergency departments of District Hospital Almora and the medical college-affiliated Base Hospital.

Q. How many patients reached District Hospital Almora’s emergency department?

More than 150 patients visited the emergency department of District Hospital Almora.

Q. How many patients visited the affiliated Base Hospital emergency department?

More than 120 patients reached the emergency department of the Base Hospital affiliated with the medical college.

Q. What complaints were common among Almora’s emergency patients?

The main complaints included fever, severe headache, toothache and knee pain.

Q. What seasonal illnesses were reported in Bageshwar?

Patients in Bageshwar were seeking treatment for cold, cough and fever as the weather became colder.

Q. What precautions were advised during the colder weather?

People were advised to wear warm clothes, avoid direct cold air, eat nutritious food, keep children and older people warm, and maintain cleanliness.