Surge in heat-related illnesses as Kolhan faces scorching temperatures
Kolhan’s hospitals, particularly MGM and Khasmahal Sadar, are overwhelmed with patients suffering from heat stroke amid a relentless heatwave. The healthcare facilities are under strain, with a significant increase in patient numbers.
JAMSHEDPUR – Kolhan region is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in heat stroke cases due to a severe heatwave, with major hospitals like MGM and Khasmahal Sadar struggling to manage the influx.
Both hospitals, which are the largest in the area, are attempting to accommodate the increasing number of patients by adding extra beds, including in emergency wards.
Doctors are now forced to treat patients on stretchers, wheelchairs, and even on the floor, highlighting the dire situation.
MGM Hospital’s emergency department alone has received over a thousand patients, with more than two hundred showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever.
Jamshedpur has recorded a scorching 43.3 degrees Celsius, marking it as the hottest city in the Kolhan region, intensifying the heatwave’s impact.
Sadar Hospital has also seen over a hundred patients with similar symptoms, pushing for a rapid increase in bed capacity.
Private healthcare facilities are equally facing challenges, with a surge in patient numbers exacerbating the situation across the board.
Dr. P. Sarkar from MGM’s Medicine Department reported that the 120-bed ward is now accommodating 154 patients, utilizing adjacent wards for the overflow.
Dr. BDP Sah of Sadar Hospital acknowledged the sudden patient increase, with ongoing efforts to expand bed capacity and ensure the availability of essential medicines.
The Health Department’s surveillance team has directed all hospitals to report on heat stroke cases, with Dr. Arshad calling for an extensive heat protection awareness campaign until July.
State Health Headquarters has instructed the establishment of ORS corners in government hospitals and health centers to meet the rising demand for essential supplies.
Finally, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jujhar Majhi has ordered rural and urban health centers to enhance facilities to better manage the patient surge and deliver optimal care.
