Overcrowding, heat fuel health crisis at Jantar Mantar protest site

Overcrowding, extreme heat and poor living conditions at Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site have triggered viral infections, dehydration and injuries among protesters. Volunteer doctors are treating hundreds daily, providing medicines, ORS and first aid while warning of worsening health risks amid the prolonged demonstration

New Delhi: Amidst scorching heat, high humidity, and overcrowding, the risk of infectious diseases is looming over the Jantar Mantar protest site, with many protesters complaining of headaches and sore throats.

Volunteer doctors present at the site report that the overcrowding and open-air living conditions have left a large number of people grappling with viral infections, dehydration, and other health issues, compounding the difficulties for protesters.

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Speaking to PTI, 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 is present at the protest site at all times, the doctor said, adding that the team is stocked with painkillers, antibiotics, wound ointments, ORS, medications for allergies, diabetes, and blood pressure, as well as cough syrups. He added that many people are also donating medicines. A student named Piyu, 22, has donated paracetamol, ORS, bandages, and first-aid supplies.

Noting that people are coming with complaints of sprains or twisted ankles, Shilpa explained that when the police raise their batons or push the crowd back, people run, causing them to twist their ankles and suffer sprains.

According to Dr Shilpa, some individuals were struck by police batons during the July 20 protest march, but they did not seek treatment at the time, leading to infections in their injuries. 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 had come to the protest site to demonstrate against the paper leak issue, said he was not feeling well, and the medical team stationed near the Jantar Mantar found his blood pressure elevated. They gave him medication and he sighed with relief. The CJP launched a protest here at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam paper leak.