Amid escalating air pollution levels in Delhi, authorities at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital have taken a proactive step by establishing a dedicated Out-Patient Department (OPD) specifically for pollution-related illnesses. Dr Ajay Shukla, the Director of RML Hospital, announced the initiative, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care given the surge in patients affected by pollution.
The special OPD will operate as a multi-departmental clinic, integrating services from five departments—ENT, skin, respiratory tract, eye, and psychiatric departments. This collective approach recognizes the multi-organ impact of pollution on individuals. The OPD will be operational on Monday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Dr Shukla highlighted a significant 30% rise in patient numbers attributed to pollution, underscoring the urgency of this specialized healthcare response.
In parallel efforts, Environment Minister Gopal Rai, after a pollution review meeting, announced the continuation of anti-pollution measures under GRAP IV regulations in Delhi. These measures include the ongoing ban on BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Additionally, restrictions on the entry of trucks, except those transporting essential goods and connected to essential services, remain in place.
Minister Rai addressed the issue of firecrackers during Diwali, emphasizing the ban on their production, storage, and sale in Delhi. He expressed concern about firecrackers being brought into Delhi from neighboring states and suggested a coordinated effort among the police forces of Delhi, Haryana, and UP to monitor and regulate such activities.
