Karachi Hospitals Report Eid Stomach Illness Surge After Meat Feasts

Karachi’s major public hospitals reported a noticeable rise in stomach-related illness cases during the Eid ul Adha holidays, as emergency departments received patients complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion and abdominal pain. The increase was recorded after three days of Eid festivities, when meat-heavy meals and family gatherings remained central to celebrations across the city.

Hospital officials said the pattern was most visible in emergency wards, where patients arrived with digestive complaints linked to overeating, low fluid intake and unbalanced meals. The situation placed additional pressure on already busy public health facilities, particularly Civil Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

According to hospital figures shared by officials, more than 50 patients with stomach ailments were brought to Jinnah Hospital on the first day of Eid. Civil Hospital also witnessed a sharp inflow, with more than 100 patients arriving on the second day and another 100-plus cases reported on the third day.

Civil Hospital Emergency In-charge Dr Imran said the hospital continued receiving patients with vomiting and abdominal pain over two consecutive Eid days. Jinnah Hospital Emergency In-charge Irfan Siddiqui also linked the rise in complaints to excessive meat consumption, dehydration and a lack of balance in diet during the holiday period.

Medical experts warned that eating large portions of beef or mutton repeatedly, especially without vegetables, salads and enough water, can place strain on the digestive system. They advised citizens to avoid consuming too much meat in one sitting and to include lighter foods alongside festive meals.

Eid ul Adha was celebrated in Pakistan from May 27 to May 29, with families sacrificing animals and distributing meat among relatives, neighbours and people in need. While the occasion carries deep religious and social significance, doctors say food safety and moderation often receive less attention during the festive rush.

Health professionals noted that post-Eid digestive problems are not unusual in Pakistan, particularly in large cities where emergency departments regularly see an increase in gastric cases after the festival. Hot weather, improper refrigeration, spicy barbecue dishes, carbonated drinks and repeated reheating of meat can further raise the risk of stomach infections.

The trend has wider public health implications because preventable digestive illnesses can divert hospital resources from other emergencies. For working families, even short-term illness can mean medical costs, missed work, disruption to travel plans and added pressure on household routines during a holiday period.

Doctors have urged citizens to treat Eid meals with caution in the coming days, as leftover meat continues to be cooked and consumed after the holidays. The immediate advice from health experts is to drink enough water, store meat safely, avoid overeating and seek medical help if symptoms such as persistent vomiting, dehydration or severe abdominal pain appear.