Between 2022 and 2024, hospitals in Delhi reported more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses, resulting in a wave of hospital admissions. The Health Ministry attributes this alarming rise to increased air pollution, designating it a significant ‘triggering factor. ANI photo NEW DELHI: What India’s metros are breathing may have a link with rising acute respiratory illness (ARI) cases hospitals are logging. There were 2 lakh ARI cases in Delhi during 2022-24, with thousands needing hospitalisation — a surge the health ministry Tuesday linked to rising air pollution, while noting that the causal pathways remain complex. Responding to a question by Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney in RS, junior health minister Prataprao Jadhav said polluted air is a “triggering factor” for respiratory diseases, and worsening air quality in urban centres is being closely monitored through an expanding national surveillance system.Govt data shows that Delhi’s six central hospitals together reported 67,054 ARI emergency cases in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 in 2024, with admissions rising from 9,878 to 10,819 over the same period. Similar spikes were seen in Chennai and Mumbai, where thousands sought emergency care for breathing difficulties during severe pollution episodes. According to the Health Ministry, the impact of polluted air is shaped by multiple factors — including food habits, occupation, socio-economic conditions, immunity and medical history — making some people far more vulnerable than others.You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Gold Rate Today in Delhi | Silver Rate Today in DelhiTo capture these patterns in real time, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) now operates over 230 sentinel surveillance sites across 30 States and UTs. Digital ARI surveillance was also launched in August 2023 through the Integrated Health Information Portal.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India’s Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey hereAbout the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNavy Chief Confirms India’S Third Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine Soon“Both ‘Rs Must Remember Responsibility”: Bjp Slams Rahul, Renuka Over ‘Dog’ RemarksNo More Disruptions: Lok Sabha to Debate Electoral Reforms Next Week’Imran Khan’s Health Stable, But Facing Mental Torture’, Claims Sister After Jail VisitChina’s Condom Tax Shocks the World Amid Birthrate Drop as India Surges Ahead in Population RankingsPakistan Sparks Controversy With Expired Relief Claims As India Rejects Airspace Allegation StronglyCentre Signals Willingness to Discuss SIR, Asks Opposition Not to Set TimelinePakistan’s Adiala Jail To Open Gate To Imran Khan’s Sister After PTI Fury Forces Sharif, MunirRussia Confirms Su-57 Fighter Jets, S-400 Deal On Agenda Ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India VisitCapt Shubhanshu Shares What India Can Learn from ISS Successes123PhotostoriesJennifer Lawrence’s fitness philosophy: 4 lessons to take from her realistic routine8 animals whose names start with the letter “S”Guava health benefits: 7 reasons why your daily plate needs this humble fruitExclusive – Bigg Boss 19’s Ashnoor Kaur addresses allegations of hitting Tanya Mittal during the task; bond with Abhishek Bajaj; says ‘There’s a platonic love between us’5 timeless quotes by Rumi that echo the true essenceof loveNature’s smartest travellers: 5 animals with homes on their backsFrom Cinnamon Tea to Methi Shots: 8 foods and drinks with proven heart benefitsShah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth: Actors who played both hero and villain in the same film9 lesser-known Biryanis from different parts of IndiaVictoria and David Beckham: Parenting secrets from one of the strongest celebrity couples123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingNina Lin ControversyPaige BueckersShedeur SandersDrake MayeOdell Beckham JrStephen CurryJaxson DartGiannis AntetokounmpoCharlie Kirk ControversyYordan Alvarez Wife
NEW DELHI: What India’s metros are breathing may have a link with rising acute respiratory illness (ARI) cases hospitals are logging. There were 2 lakh ARI cases in Delhi during 2022-24, with thousands needing hospitalisation — a surge the health ministry Tuesday linked to rising air pollution, while noting that the causal pathways remain complex. Responding to a question by Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney in RS, junior health minister Prataprao Jadhav said polluted air is a “triggering factor” for respiratory diseases, and worsening air quality in urban centres is being closely monitored through an expanding national surveillance system.Govt data shows that Delhi’s six central hospitals together reported 67,054 ARI emergency cases in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 in 2024, with admissions rising from 9,878 to 10,819 over the same period. Similar spikes were seen in Chennai and Mumbai, where thousands sought emergency care for breathing difficulties during severe pollution episodes. According to the Health Ministry, the impact of polluted air is shaped by multiple factors — including food habits, occupation, socio-economic conditions, immunity and medical history — making some people far more vulnerable than others.To capture these patterns in real time, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) now operates over 230 sentinel surveillance sites across 30 States and UTs. Digital ARI surveillance was also launched in August 2023 through the Integrated Health Information Portal.
