Typhoid: Typhoid, Flu, and Gastrointestinal Diseases Increase Hospital Occupancy in Kolkata

Historical Context: Kolkata, a city with a rich historical background, has faced numerous public health challenges over the years. The city, formerly known as Calcutta, was the capital of British India until 1911 and has since been a significant cultural and economic hub. The healthcare infrastructure in Kolkata has evolved significantly, but seasonal diseases continue to pose challenges, especially during periods of political and climatic changes.

Current Situation: The spread of influenza, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases has led to a significant increase in hospital occupancy in Kolkata. This surge comes after a notable dip in hospital admissions during the Lok Sabha elections in May and June. During the election period, hospital occupancy had dropped to nearly half at major hospitals, but it has now risen to over 80%, the highest since early May.

Factors Contributing to Increased Hospital Occupancy:

1. Seasonal Illnesses: Physicians have reported a rise in seasonal illnesses, including typhoid, influenza, and gastrointestinal diseases, over the past eight to ten days.
2. Post-Election Recovery: Planned admissions, surgeries, and outpatient department (OPD) visits had decreased due to the elections and extreme heat. The number of patients from Bangladesh also dropped due to travel restrictions during the elections.
3. Delayed Monsoon: The delayed onset of the monsoon further postponed planned surgeries and admissions, contributing to the slow recovery in hospital occupancy.

Hospital-Specific Updates:

• Peerless Hospital: CEO Sudipta Mitra reported a gradual increase in occupancy, with a significant rise in OPD footfall. The hospital expects full occupancy by mid-July.
• Manipal Hospitals: Bed occupancy has increased by 25% across four units, with a 15% rise in OPD footfall. The hospital is on a recovery path after a drop in occupancy since April.
• Charnock Hospital: Occupancy has increased by approximately 10% due to recent rains and weather changes, leading to respiratory issues, viral infections, and waterborne diseases.
• Medica Superspecialty Hospital: Occupancy has risen to 80%, with a notable increase in typhoid and gastrointestinal disease cases.
• RN Tagore Hospital (RTIICS): Both OPD footfall and occupancy have increased over the past seven to ten days, with a 25% rise in OPD visits and a 15% increase in occupancy.

Summary:

• Hospital occupancy in Kolkata has surged due to the spread of influenza, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases.
• The dip in hospital admissions during the Lok Sabha elections and extreme heat has been followed by a slow recovery.
• Delayed monsoon onset further postponed planned surgeries and admissions.
• Major hospitals in Kolkata have reported significant increases in both OPD footfall and bed occupancy.
• Seasonal illnesses and weather changes have contributed to the rise in hospital admissions.

Bullet Points:

• Historical Context: Kolkata’s healthcare challenges and evolution.
• Current Situation: Surge in hospital occupancy due to seasonal diseases.
• Factors Contributing: Seasonal illnesses, post-election recovery, delayed monsoon.
• Hospital-Specific Updates:
  • Peerless Hospital: Gradual increase in occupancy, full occupancy expected by mid-July.
  • Manipal Hospitals: 25% increase in bed occupancy, 15% rise in OPD footfall.
  • Charnock Hospital: 10% increase in occupancy due to weather changes.
  • Medica Superspecialty Hospital: 80% occupancy, rise in typhoid and gastrointestinal cases.
  • RN Tagore Hospital: 25% rise in OPD visits, 15% increase in occupancy.
• Summary: Key points on the rise in hospital admissions and contributing factors.