India's Heatwave Response: Health Ministries and States Gear Up for Emergency Preparedness

With several regions experiencing a heatwave, India's Centre has directed states and UTs to implement measures such as dedicated heat stroke rooms in health facilities and ensure fire and electrical safety. Dr. Atul Goel of DGHS conducted a virtual review meeting to assess the preparedness and enforce these guidelines for heat-related emergencies.

As heatwaves grip many parts of the country, the Centre has mandated states and Union territories to review and ensure the establishment of dedicated heat stroke rooms at all health facilities, alongside critical fire and electrical safety measures.

Dr. Atul Goel from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) held a virtual meeting with states and UTs to evaluate the preparedness for heatwave conditions and assess fire safety protocols in healthcare facilities nationwide.

The Centre has issued advisories to State Health departments to strengthen health systems against Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI), along with public health guidelines on do's and don'ts. Health departments are to follow emergency cooling guidelines and update autopsy procedures for heat-related deaths.

States are to adhere to communications from the Health Secretary and NDMA regarding health facility fire safety measures, including assessments of health facility and ambulance readiness to manage heat impacts.

In earlier advisories, states and UTs were instructed to take proactive measures against heatwave devastations, with a focus on fire safety protocols specified in a May 29 letter.

Measures include the implementation of the Heat Health Action Plan, early heatwave warning dissemination by the IMD, and training healthcare staff on HRI symptoms and management.

The ministry emphasized regular fire risk assessments to identify vulnerable zones and enact preventive measures such as proper storage of flammable materials, optimal maintenance of electrical systems, and establishing emergency response SOPs for evacuating patients and staff during fires.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)