No heat, no rush: RML heatwave clinic sees zero patients this year

On May 8, 2024, Delhi launched its first dedicated heatwave clinic at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, a specialised unit within the hospital's emergency room to treat heatstroke-related illnesses. Last summer, the clinic saw nearly 70 patients between May and June, many in critical condition, requiring ice baths and intravenous fluids.

- Ridhima Gupta

But this year, the state-of-theart facility has not seen a single case.

In 2025, despite preparations being scaled up, around 10-15 doctors assigned to the clinic have remained mostly on standby.

"Last year, the unit opened on May 8, and we saw the bulk of our cases until mid-June. This time, not one heatstroke patient has been admitted so far," said a senior staffer at the clinic. "Still, the clinic remains fully operational and ready, in case a potential heatwave still arrives." In fact, going by the reaction officials got from the clinic last year, RML officials expanded services in anticipation of a bigger rush this year.

A dedicated helpline was launched, special ambulances were arranged, and staff were briefed for a possible surge in cases. "The number of heatstroke patients had been rising every year. That's why this clinic was started last year-to provide immediate and specialised care," said Dr Amlendu Yadav, head of the department of emergency medicine and in-charge of the heatwave clinic.