Indian health ministry issues advisory to hospitals as heatwave kills 5 in Delhi

As several parts of north India continue to be in the grip of a severe heatwave, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday (June 19) issued an advisory to central government-run hospitals urging them to provide immediate treatment to heatstroke patients.

With the maximum temperatures touching approximately 51 degrees Celsius, Delhi's state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital reported five deaths due to suspected heatstroke while at least 12 are on ventilator support in critical condition, battling for their lives.

Dr Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital said that on Tuesday, 11 people were admitted to the hospital with heat stroke, which is so far the highest ever number reported in a single day this season.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Shukla said that since the beginning of the heatwave, at least 45 people have been admitted to the hospital with heat-related ailments.

"A total of 22 patients have been admitted to the hospital and five have lost their lives due to suspected heatstroke. 12 patients are on ventilators and in critical situation. The majority of patients are labourers who work in extreme conditions," the hospital official said.

He said that the major reason for the deaths was a reported delay in reaching the hospital.

"So far we have received a total of 45-50 patients and around 7 people have died since the beginning of the heatwave situation," he said.

"Most of the patients are poor migrant labourers. They do a lot of physical work so they are very prone to heatstroke. Most of the patients die because they are late in reaching the hospital. The mortality rate in this is 60-70 per cent. If treatment is delayed, the number of deaths can be quite high," he added.

He said that the patients with heatstroke ended up in intensive care units as their treatment was delayed.

"Most of these patients in the last week reported very late, so their prognosis is getting worse because of late reporting. I just request people to get awareness about heatstroke and report it early so that the prognosis and outcome get better. We should create awareness about the protection from heatstroke and keeping adequate hydration for such patients," the doctor added.

Earlier, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed that at least 56 people had lost their lives due to heatstroke in multiple states.

Delhi's peak power demand reaches record highamidsoaring heat

Delhi's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 8,656 MW on Wednesday (June 19) at 3:06 pm, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) data stated.

"Today is the 31st day in a row Delhi's peak power demand has crossed the 7000 MW. Delhi's peak power demand never crossed 7000 MW during the month of May 2023 and crossed the 7000 MW in May only once in 2022," it stated.

The national capital's previous high of 7695 MW was recorded on June 29, 2022. In 2023, the peak power demand was at 7438 MW.

Delhi to receive rainfall within 48 hours

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has assured the situation will start easing starting Thursday (Jun 20).

The IMD said Delhi and the adjoining areas may get temporary relief within the next 48 hours, thanks to the ongoing western disturbance in northwest India. North India may witness a change in the wind pattern, paving the way for pre-monsoon activities in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)