Heatwave Pushes Hospitals Into Overdrive As OPD Cases Surge Across Delhi-NCR
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Experts said the classic symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature over 40 degrees Celsius, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, seizures or unconsciousness
As northern India endures a brutal heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 45°C and the heat index in Delhi touching an unprecedented 51.9°C, hospitals across the region are reporting a dramatic surge in heat-related illnesses. Outpatient departments (OPDs) are overwhelmed as patients pour in daily with symptoms ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat stroke.
Northern India is currently enduring a punishing heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department issuing red alerts across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. On June 12, New Delhi recorded a heat index as high as 51.9°C. Weather experts caution that nearly 57 per cent of Indian districts are now at high to very-high heat risk, underscoring the intensifying impact of climate change on public health.
'We are witnessing nearly 30 patients coming to us daily with mild and moderate heat-related symptoms such as dehydration and mild fever. Our OPD is seeing a marked increase in heat-related illnesses, ranging from mild dehydration to severe heat stroke," Dr Sanchayan Roy, senior consultant, internal medicine at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi, told News18.
Similarly, Dr Arvind Aggarwal from Delhi's Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute told News18 that his hospital is witnessing a 'significant uptick" in cases related to heat-related illnesses in the last 15 days due to heat waves. 'Our OPDs are seeing a 30-40 per cent daily increase in heat-affected patients, mostly elderly with chronic conditions like respiratory, heart, and kidney diseases, and diabetes."
In Haryana's Faridabad, emergency rooms are witnessing similar situations. 'Over the past few days, we have seen an alarming rise in patients collapsing from heat-related illnesses. Some arrive in a semi-conscious state, others with core body temperatures soaring above 42°C," said Dr Mohit Sharma, senior consultant, internal medicine at Amrita Hospital. 'Several have required immediate ICU admission and life-saving ventilator support. What worries me is that many of them are young, healthy individuals—outdoor workers, delivery personnel, and daily commuters—people who never imagined that heat could turn fatal."
Common symptoms of heat illness include dehydration, diarrhoea, and low blood pressure. It encompasses a spectrum of disorders that arise due to the body's inability to cool down effectively, ranging from mild heat cramps to severe, life-threatening heat stroke.
'Heat exhaustion is common and its symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is the main concern, and with high body temperature, it causes confusion, rapid pulse, and potential unconsciousness. If neglected, heat stroke can be life-threatening," Aggarwal from Sri Balaji Action Hospital said, adding that 'many elderly patients are arriving in critical condition".
'Due to the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly in elders and those with pre-existing diseases, treatment includes managing blood pressure first with Norad support before fluid resuscitation."
Also, many patients arrive in shock state, requiring careful IV administration.
Sharma from Amrita Hospital explained that heat-related illness often begins silently. 'Patients may brush off early signs such as fatigue, a dull headache, excessive sweating, or cramps. This is the first stage—heat exhaustion. But, if left untreated, it progresses rapidly into heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition where the body loses its ability to regulate temperature."
Experts said the classic symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature over 40 degrees Celsius, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, seizures or unconsciousness, with hot and dry skin with no sweating in advanced cases.
'At this stage, the body is essentially overheating from within, and if not treated within 30 minutes, it can lead to multi-organ failure, brain damage, or death."
How is heat stroke treated & prevented?
On emergency treatment, Sharma detailed that, 'We cool patients rapidly through ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin, mist-and-fan cooling, or, where possible, cold water immersion. Intravenous fluids are administered to restore hydration and electrolyte balance."
Continuous monitoring of vitals, kidney function, and liver enzymes is essential. In many cases, patients require intensive care for neurological or kidney support.
Dr Swapnil M Khadake, head of department, critical care at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, Maharashtra, advised that people should avoid stepping out during peak hours (11 am to 4 pm), along with drinking water and oral rehydration fluids every one to two hours. 'People should opt for loose, breathable cotton clothes and stay in shaded or air-cooled spaces. They should also look out for early signs of heat stress in children and the elderly."
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 17:09 IST
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