Delhi’s Pulmonologist reports 40-45% rise in OPD patients amidst poor air quality

NEW DELHI: Every year, Delhi’s air pollution crisis continues to worsen, with AQI levels frequently reaching hazardous zones. To understand the health impacts of Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, The New Indian team spoke with Dr Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant at Fortis Escorts Hospital.

“Out of 365 days, 122 days in Delhi have AQI levels above 200. This constant exposure to pollutants is poisoning people’s health,” Dr. Kumar stated. “The impact is severe, with respiratory issues surging during peak pollution months.” 

He also reported a “40-50% rise in OPD visits for respiratory problems and a 10-15% increase in pneumonia cases among non-smokers.” Furthermore, he stressed that the damage is not confined to the lungs but extends to other organs, with rising cases of heart failure and arrhythmias.

The team also spoke with affected residents. Subhankar Deb, a concerned parent, shared, “My 3.5-year-old son struggles with breathing every winter. Despite using air purifiers, his health keeps deteriorating.”

Commuters face similar challenges, as Preeti, a daily traveler, explained, “My eyes burn, breathing is difficult, and masks are the only defence.” The declining air quality disrupts daily life, making Delhi increasingly uninhabitable during the winter months.

While stubble burning is often criticized, it is only one aspect of the broader issue. Dr Kumar referenced a 2021 report, noting, “Vehicular emissions contribute 44-45% of Delhi’s pollution, followed by industrial emissions, road dust, and stubble burning.”

ALSO READ: Supreme Court orders review of school closures amid Delhi pollution crisis – THE NEW INDIAN

Laxmi Devi, an elderly woman suffering from breathing issues, highlighted individual accountability: “We buy banned crackers, drive too many cars, and ignore our responsibility in causing pollution.”

Addressing solutions, Dr. Kumar suggested preventive measures such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded areas, ensuring timely medication for chronic conditions, and consuming immunity-boosting foods. 

Subhankar proposed systemic changes, like work-from-home policies and online schooling during peak pollution months. He remarked, “If we could reduce traffic and pollution during COVID with work-from-home, why not now?”

ALSO READ: Supreme Court pushes for virtual hearings amid Delhi’s pollution Emergency – THE NEW INDIAN

Expressing his concern for future generations, Subhankar shared doubts about living in Delhi. “What’s the point of earning a livelihood in a city where healthy living isn’t possible? previously it was said that Delhi is not safe for women, I say it’s not safe for anyone”

Dr Kumar concluded, “The situation demands a collective effort. Blaming governments alone won’t help—it’s our shared responsibility to act now.”

Here’s a corrected version of the sentence with improved grammar and flow:

Last week, the AQI of Delhi reached the hazardous-plus mark, touching 1,500 at some places, as the city woke up under a blanket of smog. However, the condition has now improved, bringing it down to the very poor category, but the city is still far from achieving good air quality.