13 unidentified bodies in 10 days amid heat spell trigger concern

Nagpur: Amid the blistering heat spell, city has reported a concerning spike in deaths of unidentified persons, with at least 13 such cases recorded at mortuaries of both Govt Medical College Hospital (GMCH) and IGGMCH over the past 10 days. While unidentified bodies are not uncommon at these facilities, health experts note that the recent surge is unusual. However, medical college officials have categorically denied heatstroke as the cause of death and said the actual reason can be ascertained only after in-depth clinical analysis. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) health department conducts death audits, which take at least two months, before concluding the cause of death.GMCH officials said eight bodies of unknown persons were brought to their mortuary since April 17. IGGMCH officials said five such bodies were received at their morgue. This period coincides with the jump in maximum temperature. The city experienced 40 degree Celsius and above temperatures while in last few days it has been hovering around 44-45 degrees Celsius. Monthly, not more than five bodies of unidentified persons are reported in the city, they said.As per police records, these victims were found lying by roadsides or compound walls of bungalows. One body was retrieved from a tin shed in Sakkardara. All the deceased were men aged between 35 and 60.Health experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially among vulnerable populations such as the homeless, can prove fatal if timely intervention is not provided.NMC has intensified its mitigation measures under Heat Action Plan. Between April 16 and April 23, around 50 homeless individuals were shifted to shelter homes operated by the civic body to protect them from extreme heat conditions.According to NMC health data, from March 1 to April 26, nearly 2.38 lakh patients visited OPDs run by the corporation. Among them, 49 cases of minor heat-related illnesses were recorded. These included 12 cases of heat cramps, 18 of heat rashes, 15 of heat exhaustion and 4 cases of heat syncope (fainting episode or dizziness).The NMC health department has issued a letter to labour commissioner, urging all industrial units and associations — including CREDAI and Butibori Manufacturers Association in areas such as Butibori and Hingna — to suspend or restrict work during peak heat hours, particularly between 12noon and 3pm, or up to 4pm wherever feasible.Additionally, the department has written to online service providers and delivery platforms advising them to avoid assigning continuous work to gig workers during peak afternoon hours (12 noon to 3pm).Officials said the directives aim to safeguard outdoor workers and vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses as the city continues to face intense summer conditions.
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