All efforts on to save critical burn injury victims, says TN Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan on Monday said that efforts are on to save the lives of trekkers who were caught in the Theni forest fires on Sunday, some of whom have been admitted with severe burn injuries, at the Government Rajaji Hospital here.

Mr. Radhakrishnan inspected the facilities for burn victims with severe injuries at the Government Rajaji Hospital, a referral centre for southern TN districts, following the forest fire at Theni. Eight trekkers are being treated at the hospital.

"Though most victims are critical here, we are taking all efforts to prevent mortality. Specialists from Trichy and Thoothukodi are attending to the patients here because of some of Madurai’s doctors are at the Government Hospital in Bodinayakanur. The victims are being provided with collagen treatment and are on antibiotics,” he said.

A total of 39 members were part of a trek at Kurangani in the Western Ghats of Theni district, he said.

Currently, Anuvidhya, Nisha, Kannan, Meena George, Devi, Divya, Jayashree, Sai Vasumathi are at the Government Hospital, according to a report from the district administration. A total of six have been admitted at private hospitals like Meenakshi Mission (2 patients), Apollo Hospital (1) and Grace Kennett Foundation (3).

Those admitted at the Government Hospital are said to have burns ranging from 40 to 100%, said the report. A total of eight members are currently at the Circuit House in Theni as their injuries are not life threatening.

In order to provide support for kin of the victims and reduce anxiety, the secretary also arranged for a special desk to address all details regarding the burn victims. He also called for psycho-social support. He added that 13 ambulances were in place to address and transport burn victims. A total of four ambulances have been deployed to transport incoming victims from the Madurai Airport to Government Hospital. Some patients from Bodinayakanur GH are being airlifted here, he said. One doctor and a few nurses would be with each victim at the burns ward, he said.

For details, persons can contact the Madurai GRH at 9445000586 and 9994793321. For Theni GH, 0454-6263617.