Delhi Hospitals Report Over 2 Lakh Cases of Acute Respiratory Illness; Central Government Attributes Spike to Air Pollution

New Delhi: In the past three years, six major hospitals in Delhi have recorded over 2,04,758 cases of acute respiratory illnesses in their emergency departments, with more than 30,000 patients requiring hospitalization, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha. The central government has highlighted air pollution as a significant contributing factor to this alarming rise in respiratory ailments.

Government Data on Respiratory Cases

The figures were provided in response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahni. The data reveals that from 2022 to 2025, a total of 2,04,758 patients visited emergency units across six central hospitals with acute respiratory infections, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest tightness. Of these, 30,425 patients required admission for further treatment.

Air Pollution as a Major Cause

The government acknowledged that increasing air pollution—comprising smoke, dust, and particulate matter—exacerbates respiratory problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and patients with asthma or chronic lung conditions.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a multi-site study across five locations to examine the impact of rising air pollution on respiratory health. The research focused on 33,213 patients (around 12.6% of emergency cases) who qualified for the study, collecting detailed data on their health conditions.

Findings indicated a clear correlation between rising pollution levels and increased emergency visits for respiratory issues. However, the government noted that this type of observational study cannot definitively establish a causal relationship between air pollution and disease.

Rising Concern Among Citizens

This data underscores the urgent public health challenge posed by air pollution in Delhi, as hospitals continue to witness a surge in patients suffering from breathing difficulties and related illnesses. Authorities and citizens alike are being urged to take precautionary measures, especially during periods of heightened pollution.