Ranchi: The festive season has triggered a rise in gastrointestinal and stomach-related illness in the city, with hospitals and clinics reporting an increase in patients as residents step out for shopping and pandal-hopping.Doctors and health officials have attributed the spike to increased consumption of food from outside, including items that may be adulterated, poorly stored or prepared in unhygienic conditions.Ranchi civil surgeon Dr Amarendra Prasad said GI-related cases had increased by at least 10% since the festivities began.“On any given day, Ranchi Sadar Hospital treats around 2,500 patients, of whom 100 to 150 typically report stomach-related problems. However, the number has now risen to nearly 200-250 cases a day,” Prasad said.He said inspections of food outlets and markets had revealed several violations. “Hot food is not always fresh food. During inspections, we frequently find sweets adulterated with substandard food colours. Lentils at several eateries are frozen for days before being served, while both vegetarian and non-vegetarian ingredients are often stale,” he said.Prasad urged residents to exercise caution while eating out and opt for freshly prepared home-cooked meals wherever possible.The trend has also been reported in outpatient departments. Dr Shubham Shekhar, a general physician at Sadar Hospital, said at least two in every 10 patients visiting him were complaining of gastrointestinal problems.“We are seeing an increase in typhoid cases, primarily due to unsafe drinking water. Several patients are also reporting abdominal discomfort, fever, loose motions and persistent vomiting — all of which may be linked to contaminated food and water,” he said.He cautioned people against self-medication and urged them to seek medical attention. “If private healthcare is expensive, patients can visit govt facilities such as Sadar Hospital, where expert consultation is available for a registration fee of just Rs 10,” he said.Private hospitals have also reported a rise in cases. An official at Orchid Hospital said OPD visits for stomach infections and food-related illness had increased during the festive period.
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