Hospitals across Punjab are overwhelmed as a relentless heatwave grips the region, leading to hundreds of heatstroke cases being reported in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Narowal, and areas of South Punjab over the past few days.
Medical staff say both outpatient and emergency departments are seeing a noticeable spike in patients suffering from the effects of extreme heat. Health professionals are strongly advising people to avoid going out during peak heat hours and to stay well-hydrated.
The region is facing one of the toughest phases of rising temperatures this summer. As one of the countries most impacted by climate change, Pakistan, particularly Punjab’s urban hubs, is feeling the full brunt of the weather crisis.
This spike in heatstroke cases has put immense pressure on healthcare facilities. Authorities had already issued a warning about the ongoing high temperatures, urging both public and private hospitals to stay on high alert.
In Lahore and other major cities, both government-run and private clinics are dealing with a daily influx of heat-affected patients.
The most vulnerable groups include senior citizens, schoolchildren, and those regularly commuting on motorcycles or using public transport for work.
Responding to instructions from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the Punjab Health Department alerted hospitals across the province about the rising risk of heatstroke.
With South Punjab historically seeing a high number of heatstroke cases, the government had prepared ahead. Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan has now been designated as a Provincial Stroke Management Centre.
According to a Health Department spokesperson, Professor Qasim Bashir from the Services Institute of Medical Sciences visited the centre to oversee its preparedness. Special injections have already been delivered to the facility.
Spokesperson Sayed Hamad Raza noted, “All teaching hospitals have made the best arrangements to deal with heatstroke patients and training of the relevant healthcare staff was completed to equip them with the necessary treatment facilities.
” He also confirmed that an adequate stock of medicines had been distributed to all medical facilities.
Dr. Maqsood Ahmad Sheikh, former superintendent of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, warned that, “The temperature of the brain increases due to heatstroke, and there is a risk of damage to the brain.
The senior citizens and children are at a higher risk of heatstroke.” He emphasized staying indoors and drinking plenty of fluids rich in minerals.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecasts continued high temperatures over the next two to three days.
Daytime temperatures in central and upper Punjab may remain 5°C to 7°C above normal, while South Punjab is expected to experience heat levels 4°C to 6°C above average.