The number of heatstroke patients visiting health hubs in Patna has jumped considerably over the past few days, as heat wave conditions continue to assail the state capital residents.

Those turning up at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) — the biggest health hub in the state capital — are, however, suffering even more.

Though no overall data is available on how many people are suffering from the heat-induced condition, doctors claim that more than 50 people suffering from heatstroke turn up at hospitals everyday. Ten of them come to PMCH. The facilities at the health hub, however, are wanting.

Sources said there should be a separate room for the heatstroke patients in the hospital but there is no such facility. Other amenities like air-conditioning, ice water and health monitor are also unavailable.

A doctor in the PMCH emergency ward told The Telegraph on condition of anonymity: “Heatstroke patients need to be admitted in rooms with special arrangements like air-conditioning, arrangement for ice water and health monitor. However, we do not have any such room in the health hub at present. Patients who need to be admitted in the hospital are sent to the emergency or other wards depending upon the seriousness of their condition.”

He added: “As the summer continues, the number of heatstroke patients is also likely to increase. I am afraid it would be difficult to help every patient if there is an emergency. Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated properly.”

The symptoms of the condition are easily identifiable and one should seek medical help if these persist. But the best treatment is precaution (see chart).

PMCH authorities meanwhile tried to cover up the situation and said it was not very difficult to provide facilities to the heat stroke patients. “There is a step-down facility in the emergency ward of the hospital for heatstroke patients,” said a senior administrative officer.

However, a reality check at the hospital revealed that the step-down room is occupied by other patients.

Meanwhile, the heat wave condition in the city persisted on Thursday, with the maximum temperature being recorded at 44.3°C. High-speed winds in the afternoon, however, prevented the mercury column from going north, said Patna Met department director Ashish Sen.