45 Heat-Related Deaths in Delhi Hospitals as Heatwave Persists

Delhi has been grappling with an intense heatwave, leading to a significant rise in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Hospitals across the national capital have reported a distressing increase in casualties and patients suffering from heat stroke. Notably, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML), Safdarjung, and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) hospitals have been at the forefront of this crisis.

Dr. Ajay Chauhan, a Professor of Medicine at RML Hospital, highlighted the alarming situation. From May 27 to June 19, RML Hospital witnessed 47 cases of heatstroke. In a mere 24 hours following this period, an additional 26 patients were admitted with similar conditions. The hospital has seen 18 suspected deaths due to heatstroke within this timeframe. Currently, 32 individuals are receiving treatment for heat-related illnesses at RML, with 26 in critical condition or on ventilators.

Safdarjung Hospital, another central healthcare facility in Delhi, has reported 24 deaths since the onset of the heatwave. As of Thursday, the hospital has 47 patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, with 29 in a critical state. The hospital has admitted 62 patients due to heat-related illnesses since June 16.

LNJP Hospital is also facing a similar crisis, with 17 patients currently admitted to its casualty ward for heat-related illnesses. In the last five days alone, five deaths suspected to be caused by heatstroke were reported at LNJP.

Healthcare Response to the Crisis

In response to the escalating crisis, Safdarjung Hospital has established a dedicated 23-bed ward for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. Prior to the heatwave, the hospital conducted sensitisation programmes for all healthcare providers. Training in triaging and acute management of suspected heat-related illness (HRI) cases was provided to doctors and nursing staff. The designated beds are fully equipped with necessary facilities including ventilators and monitors. Additionally, cooling devices such as ice packs and cool fluids are readily available for patient care.

Impact on Crematorium Operations

The severe heatwave has also affected operations at Delhi's main crematorium, Nigambodh Ghat. Suman Gupta, general secretary of the Nigambodh Ghat Sanchalan Samiti, reported a significant increase in the number of cremations. On Wednesday alone, 142 bodies were brought in for cremation, marking a nearly 136 percentage point rise over the daily average. This spike in numbers suggests an indirect impact of the heatwave on mortality rates in the city.

The ongoing situation in Delhi underscores the severe health risks posed by extreme temperatures. Hospitals are on high alert, managing an influx of patients suffering from heatstroke and related conditions. As the city navigates through this crisis, healthcare facilities continue to adapt and respond to the needs of those affected by the scorching temperatures.