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Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Indian Express
Snakebite cases spike in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali during monsoon
By Abhishek Goyat The monsoon has brought welcome relief from the heat — and a worrying surge in snakebite cases across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. From farms and backyards to parking lots, venomous snakes are straying into human spaces, sending victims to hospitals. Doctors warn that panic and incorrect first-aid methods are putting lives at risk even when treatment is minutes away. Hospitals in the Tricity are seeing a sharp seasonal rise, with some receiving up to 10 patients a day. At Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, doctors treat an average of five–eight snakebite cases daily during the rains. 'Most come from the outskirts, but some are from within city limits,' said an emergency doctor. 'The first 60 minutes after a bite are critical — the sooner the patient reaches a hospital, the higher the chances of full recovery.' Experts stress that victims should stay still, keep the bitten limb lowered, and avoid running. Unlike dog bites, the wound should not be washed with soap or chemicals. Tight cloth ties, sucking venom, or applying herbal pastes can worsen the situation. Instead, call the Police Control Room (100), Fire Department (101), or the Health Department helpline (15400), and head to the nearest facility stocking anti-snake venom (ASV). Key treatment centres include GMCH-32, the Sector 19 dispensary, GMSH-16, PGIMER, Panchkula Civil Hospital, Mohali Civil Hospital, and private hospitals like Fortis and Alchemist, though private care can cost several thousand rupees. GMCH-32 and PGIMER confirm stocks of polyvalent ASV, effective against cobra, krait, and viper bites. 'We administer ASV only after clinical confirmation, as unnecessary use can cause allergic reactions,' a nurse said. The Chandigarh Police receives five–seven snake-related calls daily during the monsoon, coordinating with ambulances for bite victims. The Fire Department works with trained catchers to relocate snakes. 'People should avoid killing snakes and instead call us on 101,' said a fire officer. The seasonal spike, peaking July to September, is linked to flooding of snake burrows. Most patients recover fully within days if treated promptly, though severe neurotoxic bites can require longer stays and ventilatory support. One Mohali victim, recovering at GMCH-32, credited his quick arrival: 'I reached here in under 30 minutes. The doctors say that's why I'm fine today.' Another family said they abandoned herbal paste remedies after a neighbour urged them to go straight to hospital. Capt Suresh Sharma, 64, a retired Army officer, has been rescuing snakes and spreading awareness for 32 years. Based in Chandigarh, he responds to two–ten calls daily in the rainy season. He warns of the Common Krait, whose venom is 'around 15 times more potent than a cobra's' and which often bites silently while people sleep. Through his 'Serpent Saviour' platform, he urges the public to 'avoid panic, stay calm, and seek immediate medical help instead of unverified remedies'. Health officials are distributing posters listing dos and don'ts, particularly in rural belts and construction sites. Quick action, experts say, can keep the Tricity's snakebite survival rate high even as the reptiles make more monsoon appearances. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
GMCH-32 soon to have system of organ retrieval from brain-dead patients for transplantation
The GMCH-32 will soon begin the retrieval of organs from brain-dead patients and send them directly to the PGIMER, Chandigarh for transplantation. According to professor A K Attri, director-principal, GMCH-32, the hospital has now been recognised as an organ retrieval centre. At present, the post of a urologist is vacant, which has delayed the start of this work. The department will soon begin the recruitment process for two urologists, after which the retrieved organs will be sent to the PGIMER or other hospitals where matching recipients are available for transplantation. So far, brain-dead patients have been referred to PGIMER on ventilator support because GMCH-32 lacked the necessary protocol, expert team, and equipment to officially declare a patient brain dead. An approval from the Union Ministry of Health was also required to start this process. With the PGIMER's support, the GMCH-32 will soon launch this programme. With this development, the organs from brain-dead patients can be donated in time, with the family's consent. PGI leading govt institute for organ transplants in India Amongst the government hospitals, the PGIMER has performed the highest number of organ transplants from brain-dead patients in the country. The Ministry of Health has in fact honoured the institute for this achievement. In 2017 alone, the PGIMER performed a record 44 organ transplants. Recently, it once again became the top hospital in the country for transplants. According to the GMCH officials, although the hospital has an EEG lab, brain-dead patients on ventilators cannot be brought there. Therefore, a portable electroencephalogram machine, costing Rs 10 lakh, will be purchased. Additionally, a portable transcranial doppler machine worth Rs 25 lakh will be procured. Under the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, the PGIMER has been designated as a Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. It coordinates with neighbouring states to promote organ donation awareness. The PGIMER runs one of the largest renal transplant programmes in the country and performed its first kidney transplant on June 21, 1973. It carries out both live and deceased donor transplants. The team responsible for declaring a patient brain dead will include one expert each from neurology, neurosurgery, and anaesthesia departments. The team will comprise a urologist, general surgeon, cardiologist, eye surgeon, and an anesthesiologist, with the anaesthesia department acting as the overall incharge.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
GMCH-32 MBBS counselling delay sparks anxiety among students, parents
1 2 Chandigarh: The delay in the MBBS admission process at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, is causing significant distress for students and their parents. With the All India counselling for medical seats progressing simultaneously, families are facing a difficult choice: wait for GMCH's delayed process or secure a seat in a private college with a hefty fee. A group of concerned parents recently met with the UT health secretary to voice their concerns on Wednesday. The official reportedly assured them that the counselling would commence soon but did not provide a specific date. Parents of aspiring medical students have expressed deep concern, stating that the delay is a major worry. They explained that because the All India counselling is already underway, they must decide where to enrol their children. The initial counselling for the 150 MBBS seats at GMCH, which was scheduled to begin on August 5, was postponed. This uncertainty is creating a critical problem for students. One parent highlighted the difficult situation, explaining that if the state counselling at GMCH starts after the All India process, his son might have to pay a substantial fee and submit original certificates to a private college in Southern India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Own an Iconic Landmark in Pokhran Rd, Thane Raymond Realty Learn More Undo "If the GMCH counselling were to start later, I would then have to apply to get the original certificates back from the private college, a process that could take a long time, potentially resulting in missing the state counselling," said a parent. He also pointed out the risk of losing lakhs of rupees in fees already deposited if they have to withdraw from the private college to join GMCH. The parents are also questioning the administrative process, noting a perceived disparity. They pointed out that while the application and discrepancy removal process for General and SC students was already concluded, there was a delay in calling for applications from OBC candidates. According to a recent Supreme Court's order, GMCH must secure a 3% OBC quota for MBBS seats. Though it is still not certain if extra seats will be created or the same shall be carved out of the existing general seats.
