Delhi is battling an unprecedented air pollution crisis, with air quality levels reaching alarming heights and causing a severe spike in respiratory illnesses. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 500 on Tuesday, the highest level on the Central Pollution Control Board’s scale, equivalent to smoking 20-25 cigarettes in a single day. Hospitals across the Delhi-NCR region are witnessing a dramatic three-fold increase in patients suffering from respiratory issues, highlighting the grave health impact of the pollution.
Surge in Respiratory Cases Across Major Hospitals
Leading hospitals, including Fortis, C.K. Birla, and Apollo, are overwhelmed by a surge in patients seeking treatment for respiratory ailments. This crisis affects all age groups, with even young, previously healthy individuals presenting with symptoms such as persistent coughs, throat irritation, and viral fever. The situation is particularly severe for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, with many requiring hospitalization due to acute asthma attacks and bronchitis.
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology at C.K. Birla Hospital, Gurugram, shared, “I’ve been seeing a continuous stream of patients since 8 am, many presenting with coughs and pneumonia. Even young patients with no previous respiratory issues are seeking treatment.” He added, “We’ve admitted 4 patients to the ICU, whose pre-existing respiratory conditions have worsened significantly.”
Similarly, Dr. Nikhil Modi, Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist at Apollo Hospital, reported a two-to-three-fold increase in patients, many requiring hospitalization. The situation is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, who are suffering from acute asthma attacks, breathlessness, and severe coughing.
Dr. Vikas Maurya, Head of the Pulmonary Department at Fortis Hospital, noted that even healthy individuals are falling victim to the air pollution, presenting with severe coughs, chest congestion, and flu-like symptoms. “Cases have increased by 20-25% compared to normal,” he added, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Government Response and Urgent Need for Action
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has acknowledged the escalating crisis, with Secretary Punya Salia Srivastava instructing states and union territories to provide real-time air quality information to the health sector. Additionally, healthcare services are being strengthened to tackle air pollution-related health issues, and health sector action plans are being developed to address pollution spikes, particularly during high-pollution periods such as post-Diwali, stubble burning, and the winter months.
The severity of the air pollution crisis in Delhi underscores the need for urgent and comprehensive measures to combat pollution and safeguard public health. Prolonged exposure to such hazardous air quality poses serious long-term health risks, demanding immediate government and healthcare interventions to protect residents.
