Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): With temperatures soaring above 35°C in Srinagar—marking one of the hottest spells in recent memory—hospitals across the city are witnessing an alarming rise in cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and related ailments. The SMHS Hospital, one of the Valley’s leading tertiary care centers, is overwhelmed by the growing patient load.
Doctors at SMHS say the number of patients seeking emergency care due to heat-related conditions has sharply increased over the past week.
“In just the last few days, we have been receiving 70 to 100 cases daily with symptoms like fatigue, fainting, and confusion,” said Dr. Insha Nazir, a medical officer at SMHS. “Most of them are laborers, elderly people, or those who stayed out in the sun too long.”
On Monday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 35.7°C—its hottest June day in nearly two decades. The extreme heat, combined with high humidity, has created dangerous conditions, especially for vulnerable groups.
“I collapsed while unloading fruit boxes in Parimpora mandi. My vision blurred, and I could barely stand,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a 47-year-old fruit seller receiving treatment at SMHS. “I thought it was just tiredness, but the doctors told me it was heatstroke.”
The emergency unit at SMHS, which already handles thousands of patients daily, is now working under extreme pressure due to heatwave-related emergencies.
“This kind of weather is unprecedented in Kashmir. People aren’t used to such temperatures, and many don’t realize the danger until it’s too late,” said Dr. Aabid Shah, a senior resident physician. “Without prompt treatment, heatstroke can quickly turn fatal.”
The hospital is also facing an acute staff shortage, with nearly 400 key posts lying vacant. Nurses and doctors are working extra shifts to cope with the rush.
“We’re doing our best, but we need public cooperation. People must avoid peak sun hours and drink plenty of fluids,” said Shazia Bano, a nurse in the emergency ward.
The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has issued repeated advisories urging people to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wear light-colored clothes, and use oral rehydration solutions.
“We’re seeing weather patterns that were once rare in the Valley. If this continues, district-level health facilities will have to be put on alert,” said a DHSK official.
As the heatwave persists and temperatures continue to hover well above 35°C, Srinagar’s hospitals remain on high alert, and health experts warn that the worst may not be over yet(DD)