Accidents soar in New Year

Disna MUDALIGE

The number of patients admitted to the Accident Service of the Colombo National Hospital during New Year’s eve, showed a significant rise compared to the previous year, Colombo National Hospital Accident Service Director Dr Prasad Ariyawansa told the Daily News yesterday.

He said that there had been 164 admissions to the Accident Service during the 24 hours ended 7am yesterday.

He observed that this was a 36 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Dr. Ariyawansa said that 403 patients sought treatment in the Out Patients Department (OPD) during the said period.

This was a 28 percent increase compared to the previous New Year’s eve. He noted that 12 patients were treated for injuries caused by crackers during New Year, whereas only one patient was reported during the same period last year.

He said that 143 patients were treated for injuries caused by road traffic accidents during the 24 hours ended 7am yesterday, whereas the corresponding number last year was as low as 62.

Dr Ariyawansa said that the number of patients treated for falls during the New Year’s eve was 84, whereas this number was 31 during the same period last year. He noted that 41 patients sought treatment for injuries caused by violent activities.

This was twice higher compared with last year’s figures. Dr Ariyawansa observed that there was a decline in domestic accidents during the New Year festive period. This number was 52 whereas the corresponding number previous year was 65. He noted that no person had died due to accidents during New Year’s Eve this year, while one death was reported last year.