Summer torments: Hospital visits rise

Bhopal: Hospital visits have seen a sharp rise, with online registrations steadily climbing above last month's average.The upward trend suggests that seasonal ailments linked to changing weather are gradually spiking, as more patients seek medical attention for heat-related stress, respiratory issues, and worsening chronic conditions, according to experts.According to health department data, in the first 11 days alone, nearly 7% higher per day compared to March. What is striking is that even on Sunday—the day traditionally associated with lower patient turnout—appointments were well above the monthly average, underscoring the growing demand for medical care.Data reveals that new OPD registrations climbed by about 2% in a single day. Casualty departments also saw an uptick, with new emergency cases increasing by nearly 0.02% and follow-ups by 0.03%. In-patient admissions remain substantial, reflecting the sustained burden on hospital infrastructure.Medical experts attribute this surge to seasonal ailments aggravated by rising temperatures. Physicians note that fluctuations in weather are worsening chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory disorders. Met said in their weather forecast that the city's temperature could soon touch 40 degrees Celsius in a few days.