As Karachi battles a severe heatwave, major hospitals across the city have set up dedicated heatstroke wards to treat a growing number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
The sweltering temperatures have led to a sharp rise in health complaints, particularly heatstroke and skin-related conditions. Hospitals including Jinnah, Civil, and Skin Hospital Karachi have reported a significant increase in patient footfall over the past few days.
At Jinnah Hospital, a 22-bed isolation ward has been established specifically for heatstroke cases. Dr. Irfan, Emergency In-Charge at the hospital, confirmed that the facility is fully equipped with medical staff, essential medicines, and treatment tools. “Patients are immediately monitored and stabilized upon arrival,” he said, urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid heat exhaustion.
Meanwhile, Skin Hospital Karachi is experiencing an overwhelming number of dermatological cases linked to the ongoing heatwave. According to Dr. Abdullah, Additional Director at the hospital, over 5,000 patients are visiting daily with issues such as rashes, itching, allergies, and fungal or bacterial infections.
“To curb the spread of infections, we advise people not to share personal items like towels or clothing,” Dr. Abdullah stated, assuring that the hospital has scaled up resources to meet the increased demand.
Dr. Behram, Associate Professor at the Skin Hospital, noted a concerning trend in infections: fungal infections are more prevalent among adults, while children are mostly presenting with bacterial conditions. He also reported a noticeable surge in heat-induced rashes and skin irritations.
At Jinnah Hospital, dermatologist Dr. Rabia Ghafoor attributed the uptick in skin ailments to excessive sweating, humidity, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. She advised residents to keep their skin cool and dry, maintain hygiene, and avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.
Civil Hospital is also witnessing a daily influx of more than 600 patients with heat-related skin issues. Dr. Mahesh, a dermatologist at the facility, emphasized the importance of early treatment and sun protection. “A rise in skin problems during extreme heat is expected, but with proper care, most cases can be managed,” she said.
Healthcare professionals across Karachi are urging citizens to limit sun exposure, stay hydrated, and seek prompt medical help for any signs of heatstroke or skin conditions.
