New Delhi, India – As the scorching heatwave continues to plague Delhi, the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital is grappling with a surge in heat-related cases, with five reported deaths and at least 12 individuals, mostly daily wage laborers, in critical condition on ventilator support. Dr. Ajay Shukla, the Medical Superintendent, revealed that 11 individuals were admitted to the hospital in a single day, the highest tally this season, bringing the total number of heat-related admissions to 45 thus far.
The victims, predominantly poor migrant laborers, succumbed to the extreme conditions exacerbated by delayed hospital arrivals. Dr. Amlendu Yadav, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, highlighted the vulnerability of the elderly and laborers working in intense conditions, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further fatalities.
At the Lok Nayak Hospital, nine patients were admitted for heatstroke on Wednesday, with four currently requiring ventilator support due to severe conditions and multi-organ failure. The National Centre for Disease Control confirmed a total of 56 heatstroke-related deaths across multiple states, with 46 fatalities in May alone.
The India Meteorological Department disclosed that heatwave conditions persist in various parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The forecast predicts the continuation of severe heatwave conditions before gradually easing due to an approaching western disturbance towards northwest India.
In response to the escalating crisis, healthcare authorities have underlined the urgent need for public awareness about heatstroke prevention measures and early symptom recognition. Dr. Seema Balkrishna Wasnik, a senior consultant at the RML hospital, recounted the tragic loss of an 82-year-old patient due to delayed intervention, underscoring the critical importance of prompt medical care in heat-related emergencies.
Amid the rising temperatures and escalating fatalities, concerns mount over the impact of the heatwave on vulnerable populations and the imperative of proactive measures to mitigate the health risks posed by extreme weather conditions. As authorities strive to handle the surge in heat-related admissions, the focus remains on raising awareness, enhancing medical infrastructure, and safeguarding communities from the lethal consequences of the ongoing heatwave.