Over 8,885 suspected heat-related illnesses since 1 March
1 min read 24 May 2023, 11:10 PM ISTThe health ministry has directed all states/UT to ensure that all health facilities in their jurisdiction must be prepared to tackle health-related illness and hospitals should have the availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, IV fluids, ice packs, ORS and all necessary equipment.
PremiumNew Delhi: Amid soaring heat this summer, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported over 8,885 suspected heat related cases in India from 1 March till date, as a part of its active surveillance on heat related illnesses under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
Some deaths have been also been reported this year from states such as UP, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Last month, nearly 11 people died due to heat stroke in Maharashtra during a political event.
“As per the directions of the Union health ministry, NCDC is doing an active surveillance on heat related illnesses under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) across all states/UTs. We have reported over 8,885 suspected heat related illness cases so far. Besides this, we are providing training to the field level officer in the states whenever required," said the official.
Queries sent to the health ministry remained unanswered.
The health ministry has directed all states/UT to ensure that all health facilities in their jurisdiction must be prepared to tackle health-related illness and hospitals should have the availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, IV fluids, ice packs, ORS and all necessary equipment.
Meanwhile, IMD on Wednesday said there is no significant change in maximum temperature likely over central and west India over the next 24 hours and fall by 2-4 degree celsius thereafter, according to India Meteorological Department.
“Fall in maximum temperatures by 4-6 degree Celsius is expected over northwest India during the next two days and no significant change thereafter. A drop of 2-4 degree Celsius in temperature is seen over eastern parts of the country over the next two days and no significant change likely thereafter. Maximum temperature in the rest of the country is likely to prevail for the next five days," IMD said.
Meanwhile, doctors across the country are advising elderly, children and people with pre-existing diseases to stay indoors and keep themselves hydrated. They said that these days a lot of patients are complaining about such things as fever, diarrhoea, cramps, and dizziness among others with elderly, kids and people with pre-existing complications are at greater risk and are being advised to stay indoors.
