44 pc of families in Delhi-NCR visited doctor for pollution-related ailments: Survey

New Delhi: As a thick blanket of smoke engulfed the skyline of Delhi-NCR region, the percentage of Delhi-NCR families who visited a doctor or a hospital for a pollution-related ailment doubled from 22 to 44 per cent within a week, a survey has said.

The national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered by "toxic smog" for about two to three weeks and the Air Quality Index (AQI) has ranged between 300-1,000 across five cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. LocalCircles conducted a survey from November 8 to 15 to understand the situation from the perspective of residents of Delhi-NCR.

As per the survey, "One or more members of almost all families residing in Delhi-NCR are suffering from breathlessness, cough, congestion or burning eyes. Thirty-three per cent of those surveyed said they have visited a doctor for pollution-related ailments, while 11 per cent said they have either visited a doctor or a hospital. On the other hand, 56 per cent said they are having health ailments due to pollution, but have not visited a doctor or hospital for the same.

"On an aggregate basis, the findings indicated that 44 per cent of citizens said they or someone in their family have already visited a doctor or a hospital regarding an air pollution-related ailment. This question received 7,995 responses," said the agency.

The survey also asked whether the residents of Delhi-NCR supported the idea to implement a three-day complete lockdown with immediate effect, given the hazardous air quality.

In response, 48 per cent said 'yes,' while and 52 per cent said 'no'.

The LocalCircles had conducted a survey from November 1 to 7, which indicated that 4 in 5 families had someone who was experiencing pollution-related ailments, and that 22 per cent of families had someone who had already visited a doctor or a hospital due to a pollution-related ailment. (UNI)