20 Dead In Delhi Heatwave, Centre Orders Hospitals To Prioritise Treatment

New Delhi: 

As cases of heatstroke spike in several parts of north India due to an unrelenting heatwave, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to central government-run hospitals to treat patients of heatstroke on priority. Health Minister JP Nadda has reviewed the situation and the preparedness of government hospitals run by the Centre and directed officials to ensure special heatwave units are started so that the best possible care is given to patients.

With 20 deaths taking place in just three major hospitals in the national capital this summer, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has also released guidelines for people to safeguard themselves against heatstrokes and other heat-related issues. 

At the state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, 45 patients with heat-related problems have been admitted since May 27. The hospital has reported nine deaths due to such problems since then and seven of these deaths have taken place over the past two days. Nine people have also died at the Safdarjung Hospital this summer — including five on Wednesday — and two at the Lok Nayak Hospital in the past seven days.