Extreme Heatwave in Delhi-NCR: Over 10 Dead, 12 on Life Support, Hospitals Urged to Prioritize Treatment
In the last three days, over 10 people have died and at least 12 are on life support due to an extreme heatwave in the Delhi-NCR region. Union Health Minister JP Nadda issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging all hospitals to prioritize treatment for heatwave victims.
The minister reviewed the heatwave situation and the preparedness of central government hospitals, directing officials to ensure all hospitals are equipped to provide the best possible care to those affected. Special heatwave units are to be established in central government hospitals, according to a statement from the Union Health Ministry.
An NDTV report highlighted that five people have died in the last two days and at least 12 are on life support at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Dr. Ajay Shukla, medical superintendent of the state-run hospital, reported that 22 people had been admitted due to heatstroke. “Five patients died and 12 or 13 patients are on ventilator support,” Dr. Shukla told NDTV.
Dr. Shukla warned of the high mortality rate in heatstroke cases, estimated at 60-70%. He explained that late hospital arrivals lead to organ failure and stressed the need for greater awareness, especially among migrant laborers. Symptoms of heatstroke can be easily overlooked or mistaken for other conditions, often only recognized when patients collapse, prompting hospital visits.
He emphasized the importance of immediate action to cool suspected heatstroke victims. “We need to educate people. If you suspect heatstroke, start cooling the person with water or ice while getting them to the hospital. Our ambulances are also equipped to begin cooling treatment as soon as they reach the patients,” Dr. Shukla added.