A prominent health warning has been issued by Dr. Gopi Chand Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, advising individuals with chronic heart or respiratory issues to temporarily leave Delhi due to alarming air pollution levels. Speaking to the Indian Express, he urged those who can afford it to relocate for six to eight weeks, ideally until mid-December.
The recommendation comes as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) has soared into the “Very Poor” category, indicating one of the most severe pollution spikes of the year. Dr. Khilnani reported a concerning increase in emergency cases, with respiratory complaints surging over the past week. He highlighted that within just five days, the condition of at least 50% of his stable chronic patients has worsened, resulting in some requiring oxygen support and others needing admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Dr. Khilnani described how the long-term health impact of the city’s polluted air has fundamentally transformed respiratory medicine. He noted that air pollution is now linked to up to 50% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases, a stark contrast to previous figures that were predominantly driven by smoking. Additionally, he pointed out a troubling trend: 40% of new lung cancer diagnoses are among individuals who have never smoked, underscoring the pervasive impact of the toxic environment.
Having spent 30 years practicing at AIIMS, Dr. Khilnani confessed he has never recommended that his own children or grandchildren settle in the polluted Delhi-NCR area, further emphasizing the serious health risks posed by the current environmental conditions.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/leave-delhi-if-you-can-warns-top-pulmonologist-as-toxic-air-grips-city-13947173.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-02 15:28:00
