Delhi pollution: JP Nadda directs hospitals to gear up to handle increased patient load
Health minister J.P. Nadda has directed Delhi hospitals to keep nebulizers and other related equipment in good condition and to be ready to meet any exigency due to air pollution
The health ministry also issued an advisory urging people to remain indoors if they have breathing difficulties and keep children indoors as much as possible. Photo: AFP
New Delhi: Concerned at the air pollution crisis in the national capital, the ministry of health and family welfare on Friday directed government hospitals to gear up to handle the increased patient load.
J.P. Nadda, Union minister for health and family welfare, convened a meeting and directed officials and heads of all central government-run hospitals in the city—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals and All India Institute of Medical Sciences—to keep a close watch on the situation.
According to public health experts, higher air pollution levels may result in an increase in the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and both chronic and acute respiratory disease, including asthma. They said that in the short run, higher air pollution levels may result in increase in severity of symptoms of respiratory diseases.
“All hospitals have been directed to take all measures to deal with the patient load due to air pollution. They have been directed to keep nebulizers and other related equipment in good condition and to be ready to meet any exigency,” said Nadda.
The health ministry also issued an advisory urging people to remain indoors if they have breathing difficulties and keep children indoors as much as possible. It said people should avoid morning walks or any other strenuous outdoor activity.
It advised people to drink plenty of water and fluids, not smoke any tobacco product and minimize the use of deodorants and room fresheners.
The advisory also asked people to avoid areas with high smoke and dust levels. Those with heart ailments, chronic respiratory disease or asthma should continue their medication as advised by their physician. If people have difficulty breathing, experience palpitations or a severe bout of coughing and/or sneezing, they should opt for medical assistance.
