Delhi heatwave relief audit finds gaps for homeless people outside government hospitals

A field audit by Centre for Holistic Development (CHD) reports gaps in Delhi heatwave relief for homeless people and patient attendants outside government hospitals. Respondents cited poor access to water, shelter, and medical help, with most reporting heat-illness symptoms and little awareness of official alerts. The report also raises concerns about DUSIB shelter access and facilities.

A field audit by an NGO reported shortfalls in heatwave support for homeless people and patient attendants outside Delhi government hospitals. Many people described limited access to drinking water, shade, and basic help during harsh summer weather. The Centre for Holistic Development (CHD) said the findings came from checks near hospitals during the ongoing heatwave period.

CHD and director Sunil Aledhia said the audit covered 35 vulnerable people staying outside hospital areas. The report said every surveyed person reported symptoms linked to heat-related illness. It added that most people did not get medical checks or urgent support while waiting near hospitals in extreme temperatures.

Heatwave relief gaps outside Delhi hospitals

The report said 97.1 per cent of those surveyed received no medical screening, triage support, or emergency assistance. It also said 85.7 per cent did not know about official heatwave alerts from authorities. CHD said this lack of information left people unprepared during peak heat conditions near public hospitals.

CHD reported that 82.9 per cent of respondents received no directions about nearby shelters or relief points. The report also said 88.6 per cent saw no outreach teams or officials during the peak heatwave period. CHD linked these gaps to weak on-ground communication and limited support near hospital zones.

DUSIB shelters and heatwave relief concerns

Only 20 per cent of respondents said they could access shelters run by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), the report stated. Among those who reached shelters, several people reported missing basics like drinking water and beds. The report also flagged the absence of separate spaces for women in some locations.

The NGO said some patient attendants and homeless people were stopped from resting in shaded areas inside hospital premises. The report alleged security personnel and staff turned people away. CHD said this forced some families to sleep on pavements at night, where heat exposure remained high.

Heatwave relief steps suggested by CHD

CHD urged authorities to boost heatwave relief near hospitals by creating temporary cooling zones. It also sought better access to drinking water near waiting areas. The NGO called for mobile medical support and ORS distribution units, along with outreach drives during heatwave alerts.

The report also asked for women-only secure spaces in temporary shelters. It recommended multilingual heatwave advisories for people who may not read Hindi or English. CHD also called for closer coordination among DUSIB, hospitals, civic bodies, and district administrations for quicker response.

ZIPNET data and heatwave-linked deaths in Delhi

An analytical note attached to the report cited Delhi Police ZIPNET data. It claimed 157 unidentified or homeless persons died across Delhi during May this year. The report said this averaged more than five deaths a day. It added that heat stress may have contributed in several cases.

The report said North district recorded 31 such deaths, followed by Central district with 26. It added that railway and transit corridors accounted for 21 deaths. The report noted Delhi temperatures crossed 44 degrees Celsius during May, and it linked this to higher heat risk.

DUSIB did not respond to the allegations mentioned in the report. CHD said its findings showed gaps across medical support, shelter access, and outreach near hospitals. The NGO said stronger coordination and basic facilities could reduce heat exposure for people forced to wait outdoors during heatwave conditions.

With inputs from PTI