Karachi faces surge in stomach illnesses amid Ramadan

Ramadan brings a festive spirit with special foods, but Karachi is witnessing a rise in stomach-related illnesses due to increased consumption of fried and sweet items, officials told Geo News on Friday.

Dr Irfan, Emergency in-charge at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, revealed that over 70 cases of cholera and acidity are being recorded daily at the hospital. 

He further said that under normal circumstances, around 30 cases of cholera and acidity are reported daily at Jinnah Hospital.

Similarly, Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Emergency In-charge Dr Imran said that 60 to 70 cases of cholera and other stomach diseases were being reported daily at the hospital. 

A significant number of these patients also suffer from high blood pressure, he added.

Medical experts have advised people to include yogurt in their meals during Suhoor and Iftar while reducing tea consumption. They also recommend walking after Suhoor and Iftar and avoiding immediate sleep after meals. 

To maintain good health, experts suggest moderate eating habits and replacing spicy and fried foods with porridge, fruits, and salads. Additionally, people should prioritise drinking water, lemon water, and fresh juices.

Blood donation shortage

Meanwhile, Karachi is experiencing a severe shortage of blood donations during Ramadan, haematologist Dr Saqib Ansari said. 

He said that patients suffering from thalassemia, haemophilia, anaemia, blood cancer, and other disorders are facing difficulties due to the lack of blood donations.

Dr Saqib said that more than 150,000 blood bags are required every month, with an annual demand exceeding 1.8 million blood bags. 

He further mentioned that some children and even certain adults require blood transfusions twice every 15 days. However, during Ramadan, students and the general public avoid donating blood.

To save lives, Dr Saqib urged citizens to donate blood at thalassemia centres across the country. He also emphasised that blood donations can be made after Iftar as well.