Amid a surge in heat stroke cases due to the scorching temperatures in Delhi, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj made a surprise visit to the Delhi Government’s Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital on Thursday. The inspection was aimed to ensure that adequate measures are in place to treat and manage the growing number of patients affected by the extreme heat.
Providing an update on the current situation, Bharadwaj said, “Approximately 310 heat stroke patients have been admitted to the hospital recently, of which 112 have recovered and returned home. Unfortunately, 14 patients have died, most of whom had pre-existing serious conditions like cancer or kidney disease, which exacerbated their situation.” The Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all hospitals are adequately prepared to treat heat stroke patients. “Our goal is to ensure that any heat stroke patient found is immediately admitted to a nearby hospital and receives prompt treatment to save their life,” said Bharadwaj.
During his visit, he assessed the condition of the patients and reviewed the hospital’s facilities and preparedness. He interacted with doctors and directed them to ensure the availability of necessary amenities, including medicines, injections, and ice packs. He also checked the hospital’s provisions for water, electricity, and air cooling systems to keep patients cool.
“The heat in Delhi has increased significantly over the past few days, with minimum temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius,” Bharadwaj noted. “The number of heat stroke patients has risen across North India, and we are here to ensure that our hospitals are well-equipped to handle this crisis, said Bharadwaj.
He further added that he had written to the Delhi Police Commissioner, urging the police to assist in identifying and transporting heat stroke patients to hospitals. “If Delhi Police personnel encounter any sick individuals on the road, they should either take them to the hospital or call our ambulance service for immediate assistance.”
To bolster the response to heat-related emergencies, Bhardwaj instructed CATs Ambulance Services to station five ambulances in each of Delhi’s 11 districts. These ambulances are to be on standby to swiftly transport heat stroke patients to the nearest hospital. Special attention is being given to areas around night shelters to ensure that vulnerable populations receive prompt medical care.