Mumbai: JJ Hospital’s special respiratory illness ward lying vacant

The dedicated OPD to manage respiratory illnesses was established around a week ago

Mumbai continues to set off firecrackers even outside the permitted timeframe, prompting doctors at J J hospital to warn that an influx of patients is expected soon after the festivities end. Several state-run hospitals, including J J hospital, established a dedicated OPD to manage respiratory illnesses about a week ago. This move came after the state government's first health advisory on November 5 due to deteriorating air quality across Maharashtra.

Dr Keerthana - a resident posted at the non-infectious respiratory OPD in JJ hospital - said, "They've divided the OPD into two parts: one for infectious cases and one for non-infectious cases. We've been seeing an average of 15-20 patients each day since it was started." There are at least four admissions daily, and prior to admission, oxygen levels and other vitals, including chest X-rays, are checked.

Currently, there aren't as many people rushing to JJ's OPD due to the ongoing festivities. Moreover, hospital authorities said that the special 17-bed ward started along with the OPD has been lying vacant. "There has not been a high surge in the pulmonary department so far. If there is a need for admission, patients are either admitted to the general medicine ward or pulmonary medicine ward," hospital officials said.

However, J J doctors anticipate a surge in patients after Diwali due to worsened air quality caused by firecrackers. Most patients have exhibited symptoms like cough, fever, and cold so far. Those requiring admission primarily suffer from COPD, asthma, and other chronic respiratory illnesses. "The first warning sign is breathlessness," said Dr Sarumati, another resident at the OPD.

Currently, the doctors administer antihistamines if necessary. "For admitted patients, we provide steroid-based bronchodilators," Dr Sarumati said, adding that stable patients receive bronchodilators and antibiotics for home-based management.

17
No of beds in speciality ward