As North India Sizzles, Hospitals See Surge Of Heat-Linked Illnesses: Here's How You Can Stay Safe

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 08:00 IST

The Union Health Ministry has said that states and UTs 'must ensure operationalisation of dedicated heat stroke management units at all health facilities'

With temperatures in Delhi and surrounding regions hovering between 43°C and 45°C, an intense heatwave has begun to visibly strain hospital emergency services, with a steady rise in patients reporting dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heat stroke.

Doctors told News18 the surge is most pronounced during peak afternoon hours, as prolonged exposure to extreme heat begins to take a toll across age groups.

The Union Health Ministry, in its latest communication to states and union territories on April 23, has flagged a worsening heat outlook, noting that “above-normal heatwave days are expected from April to June 2026 across parts of East, Central, and North-West India and the South-East Peninsula", while stressing preparedness measures on the ground. In the communication seen by News18, it underlines the need for immediate action, stating that States and UTs “must ensure operationalisation of dedicated heat stroke management units at all health facilities" and calls for “adequate preparedness of ambulance services" along with “dissemination of early warnings for timely action".

The letter adds that “real-time reporting of heat stroke cases" will be critical as authorities gear up to manage what it describes as the health impact of “extreme heat during the upcoming months", warning that coordinated action will be key to preventing avoidable heat-related mortality.

Emergency rooms see sharp rise in heat-linked cases

At Regency Hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur, Dr Sachin HJ says there has been “a noticeable increase in cases presented at the emergency department", with inflow “around 6-7 out of 10 on a scale of severity", and “peak hours observed during the afternoon".

A similar trend is visible in the capital. At Apollo Spectra Hospital Delhi, Dr Sanchayan Roy describes emergency departments “witnessing a great increase in heat-related illnesses", with caseload “reaching around 7-8 out of 10 during the peak conditions of heat".

Also, Dr Purusatyam Chakraborty from CK Birla Hospitals told News18 that “nearly 6 to 7 out of every 10 acute weather-linked cases are tied to dehydration, heat stress or related complications", with a smaller but notable number involving cardiovascular events triggered or worsened by extreme heat.

At Fortis Hospital in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh, Dr Vineeta Taneja said the increase is clearly visible in outpatient departments. “There is definitely an increase in heat-related illnesses in hospitals nowadays," she says, with “around 2 to 4 patients" presenting daily, though “most are not severe or requiring hospitalisation".

She added that cases are being seen “across all age groups", with “a slightly higher number of men", likely due to greater outdoor exposure. At the same time, fluctuating temperatures are contributing to a parallel rise in infections and respiratory complaints.

Symptoms range from exhaustion to life-threatening collapse

Doctors noticed that most patients initially present with symptoms that may appear mild but can quickly escalate. These include “dehydration, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps", as observed by Dr Sachin HJ, while others report “excessive sweating, weakness, rapid pulse, high body temperature", according to Apollo’s Roy.

However, the progression can be dangerous. Chakraborty explains that persistent fatigue, dizziness, and nausea often point to heat exhaustion, but if these advance to confusion, fainting, or very high body temperature, it may indicate heat stroke. In severe cases, he warns, “altered consciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing or sudden collapse" are red flags of a life-threatening condition.

Rapid intervention critical in emergency care

Experts emphasise that timely treatment can significantly change outcomes. Management in emergency settings focuses on “rapid level of cooling, oral fluid replacement, electrolyte correction and very close monitoring", as Dr Sachin explained, adding that “ranging from moderate to severe cases, patients may also require short-term observations or admission as well".

Roy explained that care begins with “immediate level of stabilisation", supported by “cooling measures such as cold compresses, hydration therapy", along with monitoring for complications like electrolyte imbalance or organ stress. “Early intervention also plays a major role in preventing this kind of deterioration."

Adding to this, Dr Ranita Saha from BM Birla Heart Hospital explained that treatment “usually includes immediate cooling measures, intravenous fluids to tackle dehydration, correction of electrolyte imbalances and close monitoring of vitals". For patients showing cardiac or neurological symptoms, she said that emergency stabilisation and critical care support may be required.

Prevention key as heatwave persists

Doctors stress that simple precautions can significantly reduce risk. It is also very crucial for individuals to stay well hydrated at all times and avoid direct exposure to the sun between 12 pm and 4 pm.

Doctors also advise extra caution for vulnerable groups. As Dr Saha points out, individuals with underlying heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension need to be particularly careful during extreme heat, while the elderly and children require closer monitoring.

With heatwave conditions expected to continue in cycles, hospitals say preparedness—both at the system level and within households—will be key to preventing a further escalation in emergency cases.

News lifestyle health-and-fitness As North India Sizzles, Hospitals See Surge Of Heat-Linked Illnesses: Here's How You Can Stay Safe