Lucknow: As temperatures rise, city hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients of dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and suspected heat stroke. Major govt hospitals, including KGMU, Balrampur, Civil and Lok Bandhu hospitals, are collectively admitting 70–80 patients daily. In OPDs, 300–400 people — mainly children and daily wagers — are seeking treatment every day.At KGMU, critical cases are being admitted. Chief medical superintendent, trauma centre, Prof Prem Raj Singh, said around three heat stroke cases and about 20 cases of dehydration and diarrhoea are being reported daily. He added that such cases were negligible in Apr when temperatures were lower.Balrampur Hospital admits 8–10 patients daily, said medical superintendent Dr P K Srivastava. Lok Bandhu and Civil hospitals are also reporting steady admissions.Pediatric OPDs too are seeing nearly 30% more footfall than usual 150, half the cases linked to dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. “Rising temperatures have increased infection risk, leading to more stomach-related problems,” said Dr Rajesh Srivastava, Civil Hospital, adding that out of 100 children visiting daily half show such symptoms.Lok Bandhu Hospital has created separate wards and stocked ice packs for heat stroke patients. Civil Hospital has reserved a 10-bed ward and developed a cold room for treatment. “So far, there is no rise in severe heat stroke cases, but other illnesses are on the rise,” said Civil Hospital CMS Dr Devesh Chandra Pandey.Long queues heighten outpatients’ miseryLucknow: Heavy rush at KGMU led to long queues outside OPD registration on Thursday, as patients, including elderly and children, stood for hours in the open and reported dizziness and weakness. Many arrive early or at night to secure a turn. “We can’t get registered online, so we stand in line,” said Ram Kripal a patient native of Sitapur, dizzy standing in the queue.Online system has not reduced rush because of poor awareness, forcing most patients to rely on manual registration. “With around 6,000 patients visiting daily, it is hard to accommodate all at registration counters but we are trying to create shade for them,” said an official at KGMU OPD.
