Diwali: How Many Injured in Firecracker Incidents in TN?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 89 individuals injured during Diwali celebrations.
- No fatalities reported this year.
- Health Department set up exclusive burn treatment wards.
- All government hospitals have added extra beds for burn victims.
- Preparedness for Northeast Monsoon is in place.
Chennai, Oct 20 (NationPress) As the Deepavali celebrations progress throughout Tamil Nadu, Health Minister Ma Subramanian reported that 89 individuals have sustained injuries due to firecracker-related accidents across the state on Monday.
During a press conference following his visit to the burn treatment wards at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), the minister stated, “Of those injured, 41 individuals have received treatment and been discharged, while 48 are still being treated in various hospitals. Notably, 32 patients have undergone significant surgeries.”
Fortunately, the minister confirmed that no fatalities have been reported so far.
“There have been no serious incidents leading to deaths. The total number of cases is lower than last year,” he remarked.
To manage the increase in burn injuries during Deepavali, the Health Department has established dedicated burn treatment wards in all government hospitals, district headquarters hospitals, and block-level government hospitals across the state.
“Moreover, all government medical college hospitals have added 20 additional beds specifically for burn injury cases,” he added.
Accompanied by senior officials, including Director of Medical Education and Research Dr K. Rajamannar, Dean of Kilpauk Medical College Hospital Dr M. E. Geetha, Hospital Superintendent Dr Bhaskar, Resident Medical Officer Dr Vasu, and Head of Burns and Plastic Surgery Department Dr Mahadevan, the minister engaged with patients undergoing treatment and evaluated the medical facilities available.
When questioned about the government’s readiness for the impending Northeast Monsoon, Ma Subramanian assured that flood prevention measures have been completed at critical medical sites.
“For the past three years, the Government General Hospital in Royapettah has experienced severe flooding during rainy seasons. This issue has been permanently addressed. The flooding was caused by metro construction blocking drainage channels, but we have resolved that,” he explained.
The Health Minister also emphasized that the state is fully equipped to handle both festival-related injuries and possible rain-related emergencies, ensuring continuous healthcare services throughout Tamil Nadu.