Heat stroke cases are increasing in the country, Health Ministry held a meeting with the states and gave special instructions

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry held a virtual review meeting with the states regarding preparations related to the extreme heat conditions. In this meeting, the fire and electrical safety measures adopted in hospitals across the country were also assessed. According to the Meteorological Department's forecast of May 27 last month, most areas of North-West India and adjoining areas of Central India are likely to experience more heat than normal in June. The ministry has instructed the states to set up heat stroke rooms, ORS corners as well as strengthen the monitoring system. People are also dying due to heat stroke in the country.

Health ministry alert regarding severe heat

The Health Ministry has given guidelines to strengthen the preparedness of health systems for heat-related illnesses (HRI). A few days ago, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra also wrote a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all the states saying that as the temperature rises, the risk of fire in hospitals also increases and all necessary steps should be taken with immediate effect to prevent fire incidents.

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Ministry issued guidelines

The ministry has also issued guidelines for emergency cooling for heat-related illnesses. Instructions have also been given to ensure that patients do not face any problems in hospitals and they do not face any problem in getting beds. Guidelines have also been given regarding post-mortem of heat-related deaths in all AIIMS and medical colleges across the country. There should not be any shortage of ambulances in the states. According to the Heat Health Action Plan, the states will have to work in such a way that a person suffering from heat stroke is treated on priority basis and every hospital is adequately prepared for this. Every medical college, hospital should have a heat stroke room.

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Heat wave control rooms set up

In the review meeting, states informed that senior officials are keeping a close watch on the situation. States like Madhya Pradesh have conducted fire safety mock drills in all government and private hospitals. Heat wave control rooms have been set up across the state in Odisha. Dastak (door-to-door) campaign is being conducted in Uttar Pradesh to create awareness among people. Haryana has made financial allocations to ensure essential medicines and logistics in all health care facilities. Cooling equipment has been installed in ambulance services attached to 104 and 108 in Rajasthan. Fire safety certificates from the fire department are being ensured in West Bengal and mock drills are being conducted.