Heatwave Exposes Lack of Water, Shelter at Delhi Govt Hospitals

A field audit conducted by an NGO has flagged gaps in heatwave relief measures for homeless people and patient attendants outside government hospitals in Delhi, with many reporting lack of access to water, shelter and medical assistance during the ongoing summer conditions. 

According to the report released by Centre for Holistic Development (CHD) and its director Sunil Aledhia, all 35 vulnerable persons surveyed during the audit reported symptoms linked to heat-related illnesses while staying outside hospitals during the heatwave



period.

The report stated that 97.1 per cent of the surveyed people did not receive any medical screening, triage support or emergency assistance, while 85.7 per cent said they were unaware of official heatwave alerts issued by authorities. 

The NGO also claimed that only 20 per cent of respondents were able to access shelters run by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). It alleged that among those who accessed shelters, many reported lack of drinking water, beds and separate spaces for women. However, DUSIB did not respond to the allegations.