OPDS FLOODED WITH POLLUTION-HIT PATIENTS

Hospitals are facing a spike in 30-50% patients with breathing issues.

- ANJALI SINGH

With the arrival of winter, the national capital has also witnessed deteriorating air quality and a sudden surge in OPD and emergency patients in the hospitals. According to doctors, there has been a sudden surge in patients with breath-related issues as the Delhi air is getting difficult to breathe. Hospitals are facing a spike in 30-50% of patients with breathing issues.

"In the last few days, I have seen an exponential rise of approximately 30-50% in patients with acute attacks of asthma and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). These patients have been stable for quite some time and now are coming with a severe cough, wheezing, and breathlessness, having sleepless nights," said Prof Dr G C Khilna, Chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Global Air Pollution and Health