Over the past few weeks, hospitals in Delhi, both government and Centre-run, have reported at least 90 deaths attributed to heatstroke, alongside 448 admissions for heat-related illnesses. The intense heatwave, only recently alleviated by rainfall, primarily affected individuals over 40 years old, predominantly men.
According to doctors, 132 people were brought dead to hospitals between June 18 and June 21, raising concerns about the severity of the heatwave’s impact. Post-mortem examinations are being conducted to determine if underlying health conditions contributed to these deaths, particularly among elderly and destitute patients.
Safdarjung Hospital alone recorded 29 deaths and treated 90 heatstroke cases since March, with a surge in patients after June 16. A comprehensive analysis of these incidents is underway, with hospital authorities and the state health department collaborating to investigate the circumstances surrounding each case.
Lok Nayak Hospital reported eight heatstroke deaths among patients, many of whom were from marginalized backgrounds such as car mechanics, rickshaw pullers, and ragpickers. Similarly, Delhi government hospitals reported 43 deaths and continue to treat 100 patients for heat-related illnesses.