New Delhi, India – The capital city is grappling with an intense heatwave that has already resulted in multiple fatalities and a surge in hospitalizations due to heatstroke. Local hospitals, such as Safdarjung, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP), and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML), are facing significant challenges as their facilities struggle to cope with the escalating patient load and malfunctioning air conditioning systems.
The Union Health Ministry has responded by ordering hospitals to equip special heatwave units and ensure prompt treatment for those affected by the extreme temperatures. This directive comes as the health infrastructure is tested by the increasing demands of this heat crisis.
Particularly hard-hit is Safdarjung Hospital, where two deaths were reported on June 18. The deceased, identified as 50-year-old Rajkumar from Noida and 60-year-old Amna Begum from Badarpur, succumbed to complications from heatstroke. Meanwhile, LNJP Hospital has recorded three deaths related to the heat, with many more patients currently receiving medical attention.
At RML Hospital, the situation is equally dire, with five patients having died in the past two days. The hospital is now treating 46 individuals for heat-related illnesses, as the city’s infrastructure battles against the rising temperatures.
Compounding the crisis, the air conditioning system in the super specialty block of Safdarjung Hospital has been out of order for the past three days, disrupting normal operations and affecting the comfort of both patients and medical staff. The administration has provided portable fans as a temporary relief measure while repairs are underway, expected to take another two days.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda has taken an active role in addressing the situation, reviewing the preparedness of hospitals and enhancing the readiness of health facilities to manage the influx of heatstroke cases. The ministry has advised all hospitals—including AIIMS and those under Delhi government management—to be on high alert, integrating ambulances and health professionals into a coordinated response based on local temperature forecasts and heat warnings.
The current heatwave underscores the broader issues related to climate change and urban preparedness. Cities like New Delhi are especially vulnerable due to their dense populations and infrastructural challenges. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that accommodate future climate-related extremities.
This severe weather event serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of global warming, with rising temperatures posing an increasing threat to public health. As the city confronts this immediate crisis, the effectiveness of newly implemented measures and the healthcare system’s adaptability to extreme weather conditions will be critically evaluated.