With soaring temperature, the health facilities have been asked to increase vigilance by arranging uninterrupted electricity, measures to reduce indoor heat. The health ministry also suggested the stakeholders be prepared and assess the availability of necessary medicines such as ice packs, IV fluids, ORS, and other necessary equipment. The ministry added that there should be sufficient drinking water and the continued functioning of cooling appliances should be ensured in the critical wards.

The ministry stated that the temperatures have already reached 46 degrees Celsius, deviating by 6 degrees Celsius as reported by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), especially in Indias Central, Western, and Northern regions.

Health secretary, Rajesh Bhushan advised the health facilities and states to use Information, Education, Communication, and community-level materials to spread awareness and precautions against the heatwave. The ministry has also released a standard guide prepared by the National Cooperative and Development Corporation (NCDC) for Public Health Advisory containing dos and don’ts, further adding that the guide can be translated and customized according to the local needs.

Source: The Hindu