Capital saw over 2L acute respiratory cases between 2022-24: Centre in Parl

Six major Central Government hospitals in Delhi reported more than 2.04 lakh cases of acute respiratory illness (ARI) at their emergency departments between 2022 and 2024, the Union Health Ministry has informed Parliament.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav in response to a question from MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, who had sought details on the burden of respiratory diseases in major cities.

The data, shared in a written reply, shows that emergency rooms at AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College Group of Hospitals, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases and Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute collectively handled a heavy influx of patients with breathing-related problems over this period.

According to the government, around 30,000 of these patients were admitted to hospitals. While the total number of ARI cases remained similar each year, hospital admissions rose in 2024, suggesting that more patients required inpatient care.

The year-wise figures reflect this steady trend. Hospitals recorded over 67,000 ARI emergencies in 2022, a little over 69,000 in 2023 and more than 68,000 in 2024. The year 2024 saw the highest number of admissions in three years at 10,819.

The ministry said air pollution acts as a “triggering factor” for respiratory illnesses. However, the severity of symptoms varies depending on factors such as pre-existing diseases, occupation, nutrition and general health.

The reply also referred to findings from an Indian Council of Medical Research study that tracked hospital emergency data across several cities and found an increase in respiratory complaints during periods of higher pollution.

However, the ministry said, “This study design cannot provide confirmation that the association is causal.”

The government’s disclosure comes at a time when Delhi continues to record high pollution levels during winter months. Hospitals typically report a surge in patients experiencing breathlessness, coughing and other respiratory problems during periods of severe smog.

The latest figures underline the pressure on public hospitals and the growing link between pollution spikes and emergency room visits.

While the number of ARI emergencies did not sharply rise across the three years, the increase in admissions points to a rise in cases requiring hospital care.