LAHORE:
Hospitals in Punjab are bracing for an expected load of patients suffering from stomach disorders, hypertension, food poisoning and cardiac complications related to excessive consumption of sacrificial meat on Eidul Azha.
According to doctors, the provincial capital witnesses a recurring health pattern every year after Eid prayers, when families start consuming large quantities of beef and mutton throughout the day without dietary balance or proper cooking precautions.
They said hospitals were busy finalizing arrangements to treat patients who overeated on Eid days.
People organize parties to enjoy meat together during the holidays.
According to hospital administrations, emergency rooms often receive patients complaining of severe heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration, gallbladder problems and high blood pressure caused by overeating during Eid gatherings.
Health specialists warn that the problem is not the meat itself but the unhealthy way it is consumed. Large breakfasts containing fried liver, late-night barbecues, oily curries, and repeated meat-based meals put unusual strain on the digestive system.
Senior doctor Dr Amjad Mahmood said hospitals in Lahore record a rise in gastric and cardiac emergencies every year during the Eid season.
“Suddenly, people go from routine eating habits to continuous consumption of meat for three consecutive days. Many people consume barbecue, karahi, pulao, fried liver and soft drinks together in excessive quantities. This creates severe digestive stress and can be dangerous for heart patients, diabetics and the elderly,” he explained.
According to doctors, several cases recorded during the previous Eidul Azha holidays involved patients arriving at emergency departments with chest pain that later turned out to be serious gastric complications caused by overeating. Others suffered food poisoning from meat stored improperly and exposed to heat for long periods. Medical professionals in Lahore say patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, kidney diseases, liver disorders, ulcers and cholesterol problems should take extra caution. In particular, they discouraged these patients from consuming oily barbecues, brain curry, kidney dishes, and excessive fatty meats.
Nutrition consultant Dr Sara Khalid has warned that uncontrolled Eid eating habits are silently harming public health.
“Every year we see people treating Eid as a license to eat unlimitedly. The digestive system cannot process heavy proteins and fats continuously without consequences. Overeating often results in bloating, constipation, severe heartburn, altered blood sugar levels and, in some cases, serious heart complications,” he said.
He added that many citizens ignore water intake while consuming salty and spicy meat dishes during the day, increasing the risk of dehydration and kidney stress during hot weather conditions in Lahore.
