Unrelenting Heatwave Claims 114 Lives, Health Ministry on High Alert

The intense heatwave across large parts of India has resulted in at least 114 deaths and over 40,984 suspected heatstroke cases. The health ministry has advised hospitals to set up special units and ensure preparedness. The true death toll is expected to rise as more data comes in from affected states.

An intense heatwave sweeping through vast regions of India has claimed at least 114 lives and left over 40,984 individuals grappling with suspected heatstroke, according to Health Ministry sources on Thursday.

The reported death toll is anticipated to rise as officials await final data from various states. Currently, Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 37 fatalities, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha, based on the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance data compiled by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

'The data may not be the final submission from states. So the numbers are expected to be higher than this,' a source said.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has instructed officials to ensure central government hospitals are regularly equipped to handle heatwave-affected patients.

With northern and eastern India in the throes of an excruciating heatwave, the health ministry has issued advisories urging hospitals to create special units for such patients and maintain a high state of readiness.

Nadda on Wednesday directed the establishment of special heatwave units in all central government hospitals.

The minister has also urged officials to ensure that all healthcare facilities are prepared to deliver optimal care to those affected by the extreme heat. He reviewed the situation nationwide and assessed hospital preparedness.

An advisory for the 'Heat Wave Season 2024' has been issued under Nadda's directive, cautioning that above-normal seasonal maximum temperatures may persist. Health departments have been instructed to guarantee readiness and timely responses to mitigate health impacts.

The advisory demands state health departments submit daily data on heatstroke cases and deaths starting March 1. It also stresses digital documentation of suspected and confirmed cases at healthcare facilities.

The health advisory also emphasizes early heatwave warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and advises hospitals to be prepared to handle severe heat-related illnesses (HRI) by stocking up on necessary supplies.

The directive calls for uninterrupted electricity supply to hospitals and adequate water and cooling appliances at all health facilities.

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