Rise in heat stroke cases overwhelms Jamshedpur hospitals

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, April 5: The relentless heatwave has led to a surge in heat stroke patients flooding hospitals in Kolhan. Both MGM and Khasmahal Sadar hospitals, the largest in the region, are struggling to accommodate the influx of patients. Despite efforts to add extra beds, including in emergency wards, doctors find themselves compelled to attend to patients on stretchers, wheelchairs, and even on the floor due to the overwhelming numbers.

At MGM Hospital, the emergency department has been inundated with over a thousand patients, with more than two hundred presenting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and fever. Similarly, Sadar Hospital has reported over a hundred patients seeking treatment for similar complaints, prompting authorities to expedite the installation of additional beds. However, private hospitals and clinics are also facing a surge in patients, exacerbating the strain on healthcare facilities across the board.

Dr. P. Sarkar, Head of the Medicine Department at MGM, revealed that the ward, with a capacity of 120 beds, is currently accommodating 154 patients, necessitating the utilization of adjacent wards to accommodate the overflow. Dr. BDP Sah, Deputy Superintendent of Sadar Hospital, acknowledged the challenge posed by the sudden influx of patients and assured that measures are underway to expand bed capacity and ensure the availability of essential medicines.

In response to the escalating situation, the Health Department’s surveillance team has issued directives to hospitals, both public and private, to furnish information regarding heat stroke patients. Dr. Arshad, an epidemic expert, emphasized the need for an extensive awareness campaign on heat protection until July. Additionally, instructions have been issued from the State Health Headquarters to establish ORS corners in government hospitals and health centers to address the rising demand for essential supplies.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Jujhar Majhi has issued directives to rural and urban health centers to enhance facilities, including fans, coolers, air conditioners, and water provisions in emergency rooms, outpatient departments, and wards, to better cope with the influx of patients and ensure optimal care delivery. (w/nkm)