Heatwave: Centre outlines measures for state health faciliti
Heatwave: Centre outlines measures for state health facilities
In a letter, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said with the onset of summer, an increase in the exposure to heat, including extreme conditions may occur
NEW DELHI — With temperatures across the country soaring, the Centre has asked
states to review the preparedness of health facilities for the management of
heatstroke cases and heat-related illnesses.
In a letter, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila
Srivastava said with the onset of summer, an increase in the exposure to heat,
including extreme conditions may occur.
Some places of the country have begun witnessing high
temperatures, she noted while enclosing the Seasonal Outlook from the India
Meteorological Department (IMD) for summer 2025.
She drew attention to public health and clinical
guidelines on 'Heat and Health' available on the website of the National Centre
for Disease Control (NCDC) and requested states to disseminate these guidance
documents to all districts for effective preparedness of health departments and
health facilities to prevent, manage, and monitor the health impact of extreme
heat.
Srivastava mentioned that from March 1 onwards, through
daily surveillance, patient-level information on clinical diagnosis of
heatstroke is being captured on Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
for all states and UTs.
Training sessions in virtual mode have been conducted
recently by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health, NCDC,
she said.
She asked them to ensure that these are carried forward
with the training material provided by NCDC and that all health professionals
are trained to report on Integrated Health Information Platform.
She highlighted that the daily heat alerts generated by
the IMD are shared by NCDC with states and these alerts include forecasts of
heat wave for the next three-four days may be disseminated promptly to all
health facilities.
"State, district, and city health departments may
ensure the implementation of Heat-Health action plans and support in planning,
managing and assessing response to heat along with other responding
agencies," Srivastava stated.
She urged the health departments of states and UTs to
continue efforts for sensitisation and capacity building of medical officers,
health staff, and grass-root level workers on heat illness, Its early
recognition and management.
"Health facility preparedness must be reviewed for
the availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, intravenous
fluids, ice packs, ORS and all necessary equipments to provide active,
emergency cooling," she underlined.
The Union Health Secretary said the guidance on
developing heatstroke management units and emergency management of severe
heat-related illnesses has been disseminated. Availability of sufficient
drinking water at all health facilities and the continued functioning of
cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensured, she stressed.
Highlighting fire safety measures, she said health
facilities should conduct thorough inspections, safety and electrical load
audits and ensure fire NOC compliance.
"Health facilities need to increase their resilience
to heat by arranging uninterrupted electricity for the constant functioning of
cooling appliances, installation of solar panels (wherever feasible), energy
conservation measures and measures to reduce indoor heat through cool/green
roofs (NDMA guidelines may be referred), window shades, shade outside etc.
Rainwater harvesting and recycling plants may also be explored for
self-sufficiency in water," she said.
Srivastava also urged states to utilise Information,
Education and Communication (IEC) as well as community level awareness materials
developed by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health on the
precautions to be taken by people to safeguard themselves against heat wave.
