Photo: PTI
New Delhi: 26 deaths linked to heat-related illnesses have been reported by three major city hospitals under the jurisdiction of the national and Delhi governments in the last 24 hours.
With 15 confirmed deaths, Safdarjung Hospital reportedly had the highest toll. Official sources stated that hospitals at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) and Lok Nayak recorded seven and four deaths, respectively.
The fact that RML Hospital has reported 11 deaths in the last five weeks—seven of which occurred in the last 24 hours—since the creation of its heat stroke unit highlights the seriousness of the problem.
64 of the 84 heat stroke patients who have been seen at Safdarjung Hospital since March were admitted during the previous five days, the New Indian Express reported.
According to RML Hospital's Medical Director, Dr. Ajay Shukla, most patients with heatstroke need ventilator assistance because of multiple organ failure. “Ventilator support is crucial as almost all patients suffer from severe complications,” he emphasized.
In the past 24 hours, RML Hospital has seen a record 26 admissions for heatstroke, the highest rate of admissions in a single day to date. Citing orders from the Ministry of Health, AIIMS New Delhi refused to release data on admissions and deaths connected to heat.
Meanwhile, there has been a noticeable rise in cremations at Nigam Bodh Ghat, the city's primary crematorium. Officials could not whether heat stroke was the cause of these deaths, but on Wednesday, 142 bodies were incinerated, a substantial increase over the 50–60 daily average.
“Usually, we cremate around 50-60 bodies daily. Lately, the numbers have been higher. As of today, 35 cremations have already taken place. The numbers are expected to go up,” said a senior official.