CHENNAI: Four days of consecutive protests has taken a toll on the health of the multitude on the Marina, which has gathered in support of Jallikattu.
While earlier there were no means to treat those who were exhausted, it was made worse by the inability to take the critical ones out to nearby hospitals. Now ambulances have been stationed near the venue of the protest.
Four ambulances, equipped with facilities, and with medical personnel are there. Two each belong to Chennai National Hospital and Parvathy hospital.
When contacted, the medical personnel told Express that they came on their own initiative to serve those who may fall ill during the protest.
From 9.30 am on Saturday, nearly 15 protestors have been treated at the ambulance belonging to Parvathy Hospital, Chromepet. Dr J Parthiban said almost everyone in the crowd were youth. “Mostly they are dehydrated, having neglected their physical wellbeing.” They are also engaged in sloganeering for long periods.
Significantly, a 20-year-old girl was shifted to a nearby hospital after she started shivering. “She was extremely dehydrated and had low BP and pulse. So we took her to a hospital for advanced treatment,” Parthiban said.
Similarly, G Suresh, HR manager, Chennai National Hospital, said they have treated more than 10 patients and infact administered IV to a young man, who was serious. “We have a team of seven nursing staff to handle any emergency,” he said.