Delhi-Based RML Hospital Launches Special OPD to Address Air Pollution Borne Diseases

The special OPD, operational on Monday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm, includes five departments, namely ENT, skin, respiratory tract, eye, and psychiatric departments.

In the face of worsening air pollution in Delhi, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, a government healthcare facility, has taken a proactive step to address the escalating health concerns.

A dedicated Out-Patient Department (OPD) for pollution-related illnesses has been established to provide comprehensive care to affected individuals.

Commenting on the same, Dr Ajay Shukla, director of RML Hospital, highlighted the necessity of the special OPD due to the rising number of patients impacted by pollution.

He said, "We have decided that a special OPD will run for pollution-related illnesses where comprehensive care can be given to the patients and will include a multi-departmental clinic because pollution affects multiple organs.”

The special OPD, operational on Monday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm, includes five departments, namely ENT, skin, respiratory tract, eye, and psychiatric departments. This strategic approach aims to address the diverse health impacts of pollution effectively.

Reflecting the gravity of the situation, Dr Shukla noted, "Special OPD has been made as there is almost a 30% rise in the number of patients because of pollution."

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the continuation of anti-pollution measures under GRAP IV regulations in Delhi in a pollution review meeting. This includes the ban on BS-III petrol vehicles, BS-IV diesel vehicles, and non-essential trucks. Rai said, "Anti-pollution measures under GRAP IV regulations will remain enforced in Delhi until the next order of CAQM."

Addressing concerns about firecrackers during Diwali, he said, "There is a ban on the production, storage, and sale of firecrackers in Delhi. The firecrackers were brought to Delhi from UP and Haryana. The police of Delhi, Haryana, and UP are controlled by the BJP, and no common man can easily supply the firecrackers amid the monitoring of these three police forces. Some specific people have done this."

This move by RML Hospital aligns with a broader trend seen in other parts of the country, such as Mumbai. JJ Hospital recently unveiled a dedicated Respiratory OPD to address the alarming air pollution situation in the capital.

The special OPD, operational from 8 am to 12:30 pm, specifically caters to respiratory patients amid growing pollution concerns in Maharashtra.