Lucknow: As temperatures rise, city hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients suffering from dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and suspected heat stroke. Major government hospitals, including King George's Medical University (KGMU), Balrampur Hospital, Civil Hospital, and Lok Bandhu Hospital, are collectively admitting 70 to 80 patients daily. In outpatient departments (OPDs), 300 to 400 people—mainly children and daily wagers—are seeking treatment every day.
Critical cases at KGMU
At KGMU, critical cases are being admitted. Prof Prem Raj Singh, Chief Medical Superintendent of the trauma centre, reported that around three heat stroke cases and about 20 cases of dehydration and diarrhoea are being reported daily. He added that such cases were negligible in April when temperatures were lower.
Admissions at other hospitals
Balrampur Hospital admits 8 to 10 patients daily, according to Medical Superintendent Dr P K Srivastava. Lok Bandhu and Civil hospitals are also reporting steady admissions.
Pediatric OPD sees 30% rise
Pediatric OPDs are seeing nearly 30% more footfall than the usual 150, with half the cases linked to dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. Dr Rajesh Srivastava of Civil Hospital said, “Rising temperatures have increased infection risk, leading to more stomach-related problems.” He added that out of 100 children visiting daily, half show such symptoms.
Preparations at hospitals
Lok Bandhu Hospital has created separate wards and stocked ice packs for heat stroke patients. Civil Hospital has reserved a 10-bed ward and developed a cold room for treatment. Civil Hospital CMS Dr Devesh Chandra Pandey noted, “So far, there is no rise in severe heat stroke cases, but other illnesses are on the rise.”
Long queues heighten outpatients' misery
Heavy rush at KGMU led to long queues outside OPD registration on Thursday, as patients, including the elderly and children, stood for hours in the open and reported dizziness and weakness. Many arrive early or at night to secure a turn. Ram Kripal, a patient from Sitapur, said, “We can’t get registered online, so we stand in line,” while feeling dizzy in the queue.
The online system has not reduced the rush due to poor awareness, forcing most patients to rely on manual registration. An official at KGMU OPD stated, “With around 6,000 patients visiting daily, it is hard to accommodate all at registration counters, but we are trying to create shade for them.”
