Biswa Ijtema and related health issues

Next to Hajj, Bishwa Ijtema is the second largest Muslim congregation of the World which is held at Tongi on the bank of the river Turag in Bangladesh. Bangladesh arranges this huge Muslim congress successfully since long time. Now there are two sessions in the congregation and in each session more then 12 lakhs devotees gather in the Ijtema field. They stay in the Ijtema field under a simple but huge tent. During their journey and stay the devotees may face many health problems.
On the way while coming and going back they may face minor accidents and accidental injuries. So they should take all possible precautions and at the same time they should carry some sterile gauze, a betadine antiseptic lotion, pain killers  Paracetamol tablets for primary use. Whatever may be the injury they need to clean the wound with safe water meticulously; then Betadine antiseptic lotion may be applied. Wrapping the wound with sterile gauze may help to prevent further infection. If needed, anti tetanus prophylaxis should be given. For any major trauma or injury they should take the help of camp doctors. The devotees are requested to carry soap and drinking water with themselves to clean hands prior to clean any wound and for drinking purpose.
During their stay in the tent in such cold weather, they may have sore throat, cough, fever, asthma attack, diarrhoea, dysentery, body ache etc. They need to carry some drugs for primary use. A few packets of ORS for diarrhoea and muscle cramp. Paracetamol tablets for pain and fever. Some antihistamin tablets for any allergic condition. A few metronidazole tablets may help in amoebic dysentry. A salbutamol inhaler for asthmatics, and insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs for diabetic patients should be carried. Some antibiotics prescribed by your physicians for some experienced conditions like sore throat, respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea etc. may be of great help. One pair of extra spectacles should also be carried. Some disposable mask may be used to prevent inhalation of dust and micro organisms. Even then, in case of any emergency one should search for the help of free health camp doctors available near the tent of the devotees.
Wishing all the devotees a safe journey and safe stay.

The writer works at Community Based Medical College, Mymensingh. E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com