Now, health crisis brews at Jantar Mantar protest as heat, humidity and overcrowding trigger viral infections; doctors raise alarm | Delhi News

NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, many protesters have reported health problems, including viral infections, dehydration and other illnesses, due to intense heat, high humidity and overcrowded conditions.Volunteer doctors at the protest site said many protesters are suffering from sore throats, headaches, fever and dehydration after spending days outdoors. They added that sleeping in the open and limited access to proper food and rest have worsened the situation.Speaking to the media, Dr Shilpa from Punjab’s ‘Five River Heart Association’ said a large number of people are approaching her with complaints of sore throats, headaches and high fever.Many are sleeping on the ground in the open, increasing the risk of infection, said Shilpa, who is providing free medical care to protesters at Jantar Mantar.She said that by Wednesday evening, over 200 people had been administered paracetamol and other related medications.“A large number of elderly people are coming for treatment related to diabetes and hypertension. Essential medicines are being provided to those who could not bring their own or lost them in the crowd,” she said.Noting that many are not consuming adequate food, leading to deteriorating health and complaints of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, the doctor added that food and ORS are being provided to such individuals at the protest site.Another doctor from Punjab’s Patiala, requesting anonymity, said due to the large crowds, the infection is spreading through coughing and sneezing.In addition to viral infections, the doctor mentioned that people are also arriving with complaints of coughs, sprained ankles, and minor injuries.After completing their regular duties, doctors from nearby medical colleges are arriving at the protest site and volunteering their services, the doctor said.A team of four to five volunteer doctors remains at the protest site at all times, equipped with painkillers, antibiotics, wound ointments, ORS, medicines for allergies, diabetes and blood pressure, as well as cough syrups.The doctor added that many people are also donating medicines and medical supplies.One such volunteer, 22-year-old student Piyu, donated paracetamol, ORS, bandages and first-aid supplies.Dr Shilpa said many protesters have suffered sprains or twisted ankles while running during police action to disperse crowds.According to Dr Shilpa, some individuals were struck by police batons during the July 20 protest march but did not seek immediate treatment, causing their injuries to become infected.Roshanara, a resident of Azad Market, said that when she sprained her ankle during the protest, the team provided her with a pain-relief spray.In another case, Anand Srivastava, 64, who joined the protest over the alleged examination paper leak, said he felt unwell. Doctors at the site found his blood pressure was high and gave him medication.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched the protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.