KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has extended Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the nation while urging citizens to celebrate the religious festival responsibly by avoiding excessive meat consumption and ensuring sacrificial meat reaches underprivileged families.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said Eid-ul-Azha is a festival of sacrifice, compassion, and sharing, not self-indulgence, stressing that people should distribute meat among relatives, neighbours, and especially those who cannot afford it.
The PMA warned that hospitals and clinics often witness a surge in emergency cases during Eid due to gastrointestinal complications caused by sudden overconsumption of heavy, oily, and spicy meat-based meals.
According to the association, common health complications reported during the festive period include severe diarrhea, gastroenteritis, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, hyperacidity, abdominal cramps, and worsening of pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and high uric acid levels.
The association advised the public not to consume meat immediately after slaughter, explaining that freshly slaughtered meat undergoes a natural process known as rigor mortis, making it tougher and harder to digest. It recommended allowing the meat to rest in a cool place or refrigerator for several hours before cooking.
The PMA also urged families to avoid replacing all regular meals with meat, recommending moderation in consumption and spacing out meals to reduce pressure on the digestive system.
It further advised preparing meat dishes with minimal oil, ghee, and spices, while balancing meals with fresh salads, yogurt, vegetables, and adequate water intake. The association discouraged consumption of carbonated soft drinks alongside heavy meals.
The PMA emphasized the importance of proper hygiene and food safety, advising people to clean, portion, and freeze sacrificial meat promptly to prevent spoilage and bacterial contamination.
Dr. Shoro particularly advised patients with heart disease, kidney ailments, high blood pressure, and other chronic medical conditions to strictly follow their prescribed dietary restrictions and medication schedules during Eid.
The PMA called on citizens to celebrate Eid in a healthy and compassionate manner, ensuring the spirit of sacrifice translates into care for both personal health and the welfare of the less fortunate.
