Punjab’s smog crisis worsens: Over 59,000 respiratory cases reported in a single day

LAHORE: Punjab’s smog crisis continues to take a heavy toll on public health, with the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department reporting 59,183 new cases of respiratory illnesses on Friday alone. The province is grappling with an alarming surge in smog-related diseases, as nearly 1.93 million patients have sought medical attention over the past month.
According to official data, hospitals across Punjab treated 3,448 asthma cases, 1,364 ischemic heart disease cases, 113 stroke cases, and 545 conjunctivitis cases in the last 24 hours.
The worsening smog has particularly affected Lahore, the provincial capital. In the past month, the city recorded 134,414 respiratory disease cases, 6,703 asthma cases, 14,553 ischemic heart disease cases, 713 strokes, and 3,265 conjunctivitis cases. In just the past week, Lahore reported 36,658 respiratory cases, 2,384 asthma cases, and 276 strokes, painting a grim picture of the city’s health crisis.

Smog crisis in India amplifies regional concerns
Punjab’s crisis mirrors the smog emergency in neighboring India, where New Delhi and other cities are grappling with hazardous air quality levels. Keywords such as “air pollution crisis in Delhi” and “smog health impact in India” are trending across search engines. Both countries are facing unprecedented challenges as air pollution severely impacts public health and infrastructure.

Month-long health emergency in Punjab
Over the past month, Punjab recorded 126,078 asthma cases, 62,273 ischemic heart disease cases, 5,858 strokes, and 14,104 conjunctivitis cases. These staggering numbers reflect the dire need for immediate interventions, including stricter emission controls, public awareness campaigns, and robust healthcare support.
Experts warn that long-term exposure to smog increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and strokes, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The government has urged citizens to take precautions, including wearing masks, staying indoors during peak pollution hours, and seeking timely medical care. However, environmentalists stress the need for sustainable solutions to tackle the root causes of smog, including industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning.