Gurugram Hospitals Prepare for Surge in Respiratory Cases

Hospitals in Gurugram are facing a significant increase in respiratory illness cases, with a reported rise of 123% during the first half of September compared to the previous month. Between September 1 and 13, 2023, the district logged 748 acute respiratory cases, sparking concerns among health officials as air quality continues to deteriorate.

As the air quality index (AQI) remains poor, health department officials have prepared for the expected influx of patients by ensuring that intensive care unit (ICU) beds and emergency medical supplies are readily available for the upcoming winter pollution season. Despite the uptick in cases, officials noted that recent rain showers have somewhat mitigated the rise in conditions such as asthma and bronchitis compared to the same period last year.

Data reveals that in comparison to the previous year, emergency visits during the festive season in 2022 were also high, with reports of 636 cases in October, 686 in November, and 686 in December. Dr. Lokveer Singh, the primary medical officer at Sector 10A Civil Hospital, highlighted a notable increase in patients visiting outpatient departments (OPDs) with respiratory complaints. “On Monday alone, 176 patients visited with respiratory issues. Until September 13, around 700 patients presented with various respiratory ailments, while 3,600 had visited the OPDs in August,” Dr. Singh stated.

Preparedness for Respiratory Surges

The data collected from seven sentinel sites, including Medanta, Fortis, and Artemis, indicated that 1,043 cases required nebulization during August and September. Dr. Alka Singh, the chief medical officer of Gurugram, reassured the public about the hospitals’ readiness. “Emergency departments have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines and ensure that staff are on high alert,” she remarked.

Additionally, officials confirmed that 15 ICU beds at Sector 10A Civil Hospital will be allocated specifically for severe respiratory cases throughout the winter months. Public hospitals in nearby Sohna and Patuadi will also be equipped to screen and admit patients experiencing respiratory emergencies, according to a senior health official.

Dr. Bharat Gopal, senior director and head of interventional pulmonology at Medanta, explained that the increase in OPD visits can be linked to a prolonged flu circulation, compounded by rising pollution levels and heightened traffic during the festive season. “The lower temperatures associated with this time of year are also aggravating the conditions of patients with pre-existing chronic lung diseases,” Dr. Gopal noted.

As Gurugram prepares for the challenges posed by worsening air quality, health officials remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and readiness to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses in the community.