India, June 7 -- On May 8, 2024, Delhi launched its first dedicated heatwave clinic at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, a specialised unit within the hospital's emergency room to treat heatstroke-related illnesses. Last summer, the clinic saw nearly 70 patients between May and June, many in critical condition, requiring ice baths and intravenous fluids.

But this year, the state-of-the-art facility has not seen a single case.

In 2025, despite preparations being scaled up, around 10-15 doctors assigned to the clinic have remained mostly on standby.

"Last year, the unit opened on May 8, and we saw the bulk of our cases until mid-June. This time, not one heatstroke patient has been admitted so far," said a senior staffer at the clinic. "S...