- विज्ञापन -
Kathmandu: Nepal is grappling with multiple forest fires, leading to a dramatic increase in burn cases in hospitals treating affected individuals. The Nepal Cleft and Burn Centre, also known as Kirtipur Hospital, is overwhelmed by the number of burn patients, forcing them to transfer several victims to other facilities daily.
Dr. Kiran Nakarmi, the director of the hospital, stated, “We have started using beds in other general wards to accommodate burn victims, but still, it’s not enough, which has led us to send critically burned patients to other hospitals.”
Compounding the situation, there has been a significant rise in respiratory illnesses across the country due to severe pollution. Experts indicate that the ongoing forest fires and the burning of agricultural crop residues are contributing to smoke in the air, which is exacerbating air quality issues in Kathmandu Valley.
It is noted that climate change has further disrupted weather patterns, worsening these conditions. Reports indicate that wildfires have broken out in various locations, including the Chure forests, alongside stubble burning, waste incineration, house fires, and operations at brick kilns, all of which are deteriorating air quality in the Valley.
Kathmandu has been identified as the most polluted city in the world for over a week, with PM2.5 levels reaching hazardous levels and the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 348.
Hospitals in Kathmandu have reported a sharp increase in patients suffering from respiratory problems and other ailments related to air pollution. Dr. Dilip Sharma, director at Bir Hospital, mentioned, “The number of patients with respiratory illnesses has doubled recently, and air pollution is the main factor.” He also noted that elderly patients with existing respiratory issues are deteriorating and requiring intensive care.
Kanti Children’s Hospital has observed an uptick in respiratory conditions, skin diseases, and other health issues linked to air pollution. “Both children and their parents, as well as visitors, are experiencing coughs, flu, skin allergies, and other ailments. The number of seriously ill children needing intensive care for respiratory issues has also increased,” remarked Dr. Sumit Agrawal, a spokesperson for the hospital.
Similar trends have been reported by doctors at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital and Patan Hospital, where there has been a notable rise in cases of viral fever, skin ailments, seasonal flu, and respiratory diseases recently. At Sukraraj Hospital, around 700 patients are seeking outpatient care daily, a figure that has doubled compared to previous periods, according to hospital officials.
