Sprains, headaches, sore throats: Delhi protesters battle infections amid heat

Amid scorching heat, high humidity and overcrowding, health concerns are rising at the Jantar Mantar protest site in Delhi, where many protesters have complained of headaches and sore throats. Volunteer doctors at the site say the open-air living conditions and dense crowds are increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

Doctors said a large number of people are dealing with viral infections, dehydration and other health problems, adding to the difficulties faced by protesters. Many are sleeping on the ground in the open, while others are arriving with cough, fever, sprains and minor injuries.

Speaking to PTI, Dr Shilpa from Punjab's Five River Heart Association said many people were approaching her with complaints of sore throat, headache and high fever. She said more than 200 people had been given paracetamol and related medicines by Wednesday evening.

"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.

Dr Shilpa also said many protesters were not eating adequately, which was worsening their health and leading to nausea, vomiting and dehydration. She said food and ORS were being provided at the site. Another doctor from Patiala, who did not wish to be named, said infections were spreading through coughing and sneezing because of the large crowds.

The doctor said teams of four to five volunteer doctors were present at all times, with supplies including painkillers, antibiotics, wound ointments, ORS, medicines for allergies, diabetes and blood pressure, and cough syrups. He added that doctors from nearby medical colleges were volunteering after completing their regular duties, and that many people were also donating medicines.

A 22-year-old student, Piyu, has donated paracetamol, ORS, bandages and first-aid supplies.

On injuries at the site, Dr Shilpa said people were also coming in with sprains and twisted ankles. "When the police raise their batons or push the crowd back, people run, causing them to twist their ankles and suffer sprains," she said.

According to her, some people who were hit by police batons during the July 20 protest march did not seek treatment at the time, and their wounds later got infected. Roshanara, a resident of Azad Market, said the medical team gave her a pain-relief spray after she sprained her ankle during the protest.

In another case, Anand Srivastava, 64, who had come to protest over the paper leak issue, said he was unwell and was found to have high blood pressure by the medical team near Jantar Mantar. He was then given medicine.

The CJP launched the protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam paper leak, even as volunteer doctors at the site continue to treat protesters for infections, dehydration and injuries.