Chandigarh, 05.11.26-: In view of the possibility of eye injuries and other emergencies during the Diwali festivities, the Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has put in place special emergency arrangements from November 8 to 10, 2026, to ensure timely and appropriate medical attention to patients.
A dedicated emergency roster has been prepared to manage all eye emergencies during this period. Residents have been instructed to strictly adhere to the duty roster, ensure their physical presence at the Advanced Eye Centre and manage all cases in consultation with the consultant on call.
Special emphasis has been laid on the systematic documentation of all Diwali-related emergency cases, including patient details, nature of injury and treatment provided, to ensure proper monitoring and continuity of care. Teams attending to non-Diwali-related peripheral emergency calls will also ensure continued management of patients until discharge or transfer to the appropriate clinic, wherever required.
**Prof. Usha Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER**, said, "Festivals should be a time of joy and celebration, and not of avoidable injuries. Eye injuries, particularly those caused by firecrackers, can sometimes have serious and lasting consequences. We have made dedicated arrangements to ensure that every patient reporting with an eye emergency receives prompt medical attention and appropriate specialist care. I would strongly appeal to everyone to celebrate responsibly, avoid hazardous firecrackers and take adequate precautions to protect their eyes."
The department has advised the public to exercise particular caution while handling firecrackers, maintain a safe distance and avoid allowing children to handle fireworks independently. In case of an eye injury, immediate medical attention should be sought. Patients should avoid rubbing or pressing the injured eye or attempting home remedies.
**For all eye emergencies, the following contact facilities will remain available:**
- Mobile No.: 9814014464
- Advanced Eye Centre Emergency: 6117
PGIMER reiterates its commitment to ensuring accessible, timely and quality emergency healthcare services during the festive period.