Heat lays Kolkata low before rain relief, OPD footfalls spike
Times of India | 16 May 2025
Kolkata: Scorching heat and humidity have led to an aggravation of a range of illnesses, including existing ones like COPD, asthma, and cardiac ailments, leading to a spurt in outpatient department (OPD) footfalls. COPD is on the rise because of an increase in pollens and pollution amid high temperatures and humidity, said MS Purkait, medical superintendent of Techno Dama Hospital. "The prevailing weather is triggering dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and thickening of the blood and clot formation in many patients. Many with heart complications are now undergoing treatment in our hospital," said Purkait. The hospital saw a 20% rise in OPD footfalls since last week.CMRI Hospital saw a 10% rise in patients with exacerbations of existing diseases and heat-related issues. "The heat triggered heat-strokes, seizures, dizziness, vomiting, and syncope (sudden loss of consciousness) in a significant number of patients, including many with chronic illnesses," said CMRI emergency head, Purushottam Chakrabarty.Charnock Hospital has a "mixed bag' of patients, leading to a crowded OPD. "Over the last four to five days, we received a couple of dengue patients as well. It's still too early to gauge if it's an outbreak or are sporadic cases," said Charnock head of emergency, Nishant Agarwal. He added that rather than just the heat, it is the temperature fluctuation that has been triggering ailments. Desun Hospital witnessed around a 20% rise in OPD footfall over the last two weeks and a surge in patients with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, cardiac ailments, and kidney diseases. "Extremely hot and humid weather puts additional stress on individuals with underlying illnesses," said Mohit Kharbanda, senior director, Critical Care at Desun Hospital. Mrinmoy Mitra, pulmonologist at ILS Hospital, said over the last few weeks, there had also been a rise in flu-like viral illnesses. "To address this seasonal burden, we have established a dedicated Summer Clinic tailored. Over the past four days alone, 43 cases have been reported to our OPD and Emergency, with nine patients requiring admission," said Supriyo Chakraborty, group advisor, BP Poddar. Doctor Abhijit Aich Bhaumik, senior consultant Cardiologist at BP Poddar, advised people to avoid stepping out during peak heat hours, maintain adequate hydration, and refrain from sudden temperature shifts.