Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj reported on Thursday that out of the 14 heatstroke patients who died in the city, almost all had other serious health conditions that worsened their situation.
Bharadwaj visited Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital to check on the treatment facilities for heatstroke patients. He talked with patients and doctors about the importance of preventing heat-related illnesses and making sure that hospitals have everything they need to treat these conditions.
“According to the information I received, about 310 heat stroke patients were admitted to the hospital in the recent past, out of which 112 patients have recovered and returned to their homes,” the health minister said during the inspection, in a statement. He emphasized that almost all of the 14 patients who died had serious illnesses like cancer or kidney disease, which made their health decline faster.
The minister assured that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation. He said, “In all the hospitals, adequate medicines and facilities have been arranged for the smooth treatment of heat stroke patients.” He highlighted the importance of quickly admitting heatstroke patients to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment to save lives.
“Our effort is that as soon as any heat stroke patient is found, they should be immediately admitted to the nearest hospital of the Delhi government and their treatment should be started so that their life can be saved,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Officials also reported that 22 deaths due to suspected heat-related illnesses were recorded at Delhi’s RML, Safdarjung, and LNJP hospitals in the last 24 hours. The number of heatstroke cases has risen significantly in the city due to a severe heatwave, although there was some relief with light rain on Thursday morning.
During his visit, Bharadwaj checked the availability of medicines, water, electricity, and cooling systems at the hospital. He urged the public to be cautious amid rising temperatures and said an increase in heatstroke cases has been reported across north India.
Regarding response measures, he said, “All the medicines, injections, and ice packs, among other equipment are available in sufficient quantities for heat stroke patients in the hospital.” Adequate arrangements have also been made in the hospital to provide a cool environment for these patients, he added.
Bharadwaj mentioned that the government has communicated with the Delhi Police Commissioner, urging them to assist any sick individuals encountered by police personnel during night patrols. “The police department has been requested to either transport the person to the hospital or notify the government’s ambulance service for immediate medical attention,” he said.
“The Delhi health department has issued instructions to CATs Ambulance Services to arrange five ambulances each in 11 different districts of Delhi, so that they can immediately take patients suffering from heat stroke to the hospitals. Special care should be taken around night shelters and if any such patient is seen, he should be immediately taken to the hospital,” he added.
The health minister appealed to Delhi residents, especially outdoor workers such as security guards and laborers, to take precautions against heat exposure. Bharadwaj cited the case of a security guard recovering at Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital after sustained heat exposure for two days. He was admitted to the hospital and is better now, he added.
Large parts of northern India, including Delhi, have been experiencing a prolonged heatwave, leading to more heatstroke cases. The central government has advised hospitals to set up special units to handle these patients.
Bharadwaj emphasized that hospitals need to be well-prepared to handle heatstroke cases. He highlighted the importance of having enough medicines, ice packs, and cooling systems to treat patients effectively. The government is also working to ensure that heatstroke patients are quickly admitted to the nearest hospital for prompt treatment.
He urged Delhi residents, especially those who work outdoors, to take precautions against heat exposure. Simple measures like drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight, and wearing light clothing can help prevent heatstroke. Bharadwaj shared an example of a security guard who suffered from heat exposure for two days but is now recovering in the hospital.
The health minister also mentioned the government’s collaboration with the Delhi Police Commissioner. Police officers on night patrols have been asked to help any sick individuals they encounter by either taking them to the hospital or calling the government’s ambulance service for immediate assistance.
Additionally, the Delhi health department has instructed CATs Ambulance Services to deploy five ambulances in each of the city’s 11 districts. These ambulances will be on standby to quickly transport heatstroke patients to hospitals. Special attention will be given to night shelters to ensure that anyone showing symptoms of heatstroke receives prompt medical care.
Delhi has been experiencing a severe heatwave, leading to a significant increase in heatstroke cases. In the last 24 hours alone, 22 deaths from suspected heat-related illnesses were reported at Delhi’s RML, Safdarjung, and LNJP hospitals. Although there was some relief from the heat with light rain on Thursday morning, the number of heatstroke cases remains high.
The central government has also issued advisories to hospitals to set up special units to handle the influx of heatstroke patients. This step is crucial in ensuring that hospitals are well-equipped to provide the necessary care.
The Delhi health minister is urging everyone to be cautious during the extreme heat. The government is taking various measures to ensure hospitals are prepared to treat heatstroke patients effectively. Public awareness about the dangers of heat exposure and the importance of quick medical response is essential in preventing further heatstroke cases and saving lives.