Delhi: 6 more deaths in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital due to heat-related illnesses; overall toll climbs to 56

Delhi: Despite a significant dip in temperature in the national capital, Safdarjung hospital reported a total number of six deaths in the past 24 hours due to heat-related illnesses, a senior official said on Friday.

The official also confirmed that 10 new patients have been admitted to the hospital due to heat-related illnesses.

“Twenty six patients are currently undergoing treatment at the heat related illness (HRI) unit at the facility, while 14 patients are critical and are on ventilator support,” he said.

“To date, a total of 28 patients have died due to heatstroke at the hospital, while 88 patients suffering from heat-related illnesses have visited the facility,” he said.

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Informing about preparations to tackle the heatwave patients, a senior official said, “As part of the pre-heatwave stage preparations, comprehensive sensitisation programmes have been conducted for all healthcare providers. This includes training doctors and nursing staff in triaging and the acute management of suspected heat-related illnesses (HRI) patients.”

He said further, “Designated beds have been assigned and fully equipped for the active management of suspected HRI cases. These beds come with necessary facilities such as ventilators, monitors, and additional pedestal fans to ensure patient comfort.”

Cooling devices are also available while efforts have been made to create awareness.

“Apart from this, cooling devices, including ice packs, cool fluids, spraying devices, and cooling sheets, are available in ample quantities. To support these efforts, additional refrigerators have been provided in key areas of care,” he stated.

“Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials outlining the active management protocol are displayed prominently. An active notification system is in place to alert staff to new cases immediately,” he said further.

In response to a sudden rise in suspected cases, a meeting of all stakeholders was promptly conducted.

“Additional manpower and resources have been mobilised from all available sources to ensure an effective response,” he added.

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Deaths till now

At Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, 18 deaths due to heatstroke have been reported from May 27 to June 20 while 73 patients were admitted to the hospital during the period.

To date, Safdarjung Hospital has treated 88 patients for heat-related illnesses, while 28 patients have died due to heatstroke at the facility.

Ten deaths have been reported at Lok Nayak (LNJP) Hospital between June 15 and June 19.

A total of 56 heat-related deaths have been reported in the national capital by the three hospitals – RML Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and LNJP Hospital.