54 dead, 400 hospitalised in 72hrs at a single Indian hospital

A sudden increase in deaths, and patients being admitted with fever, difficulty breathing, and other issues have overwhelmed a hospital in India's Uttar Pradesh.

The state's Ballia District Hospital has seen 54 deaths and 400 more hospitalised in the last three days as a scorching heatwave sweeps through the region, with most places seeing temperatures north of 40 degrees, reports NDTV.

Severe heat could be a reason for the unexpectedly high number of hospitalisation and casualties, doctors say.

The hospital has put its staff on alert due to the unprecedented situation. 23 patients died on June 15, 20 the next day, and 11 on the next, the hospital's in-charge Medical Superintendent SK Yadav said.

A team is coming from Lucknow to investigate if there's some disease which is not being detected, said Azamgarh Circle Additional Health Director Dr BP Tiwari.

"When it is too hot or cold, respiratory patients, diabetes patients, and blood pressure patients are at increased risk. The mercury rising a little may have led to their deaths," he said.

/KN/