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Given the relentless heatwave in Delhi and north India, the Union Health Ministry has reiterated its guideline on heat-related illnesses, which asks States to report heat-related deaths, emergency attendance, as well as the total number of deaths from all health facilities on the integrated health information platform daily.
The guideline asks states to maintain a digital list of all heatstroke cases and deaths — whether confirmed or suspected — and to undertake an investigation of all suspected heat-related deaths by a medical officer or epidemiologist to understand the circumstances under which it happened.
The guideline provides pointers on how health facilities should prepare for the heatwave and how to manage mass gatherings or sporting events. “Most regions of our country are experiencing above normal day as well as nighttime temperatures continuously. Such conditions increase chances of development of severe heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is imperative that such cases of severe HRI (heat-related illnesses) are identified in time, triaged, and provided immediate attention with rapid, active cooling and subsequent supportive care as time is vital,” read a letter sent by the Director-General of Health Services, Dr Atul Goel. It recommends all Central government hospitals in Delhi, all AIIMS and state government health institutes to factor in local temperature forecasts and warnings while treating these cases.
Health facilities have been asked to procure adequate ORS packs, essential medicines, IV fluids, ice-packs. They have also been asked to have in place strategies for active cooling and adequate drinking water. “Cases with suspected heat stroke should be rapidly assessed and actively cooled using standard treatment protocols,” the guideline states. The hospitals are asked to ensure cooling in waiting areas and provide shade outside health facilities in heat-prone areas. They have also been asked to coordinate with electricity supply companies to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
As for mass gatherings and events, the guideline says that organisers should prevent overcrowding, ensure adequate air circulation, have medical aid teams with ice boxes, cold water, ORS packets and give a minimum of 2 litres of free drinking water per person. There should also be a provision for cooled rooms or misting areas.
The guidelines came after a review meeting on the heatwave by Union Health Minister JP Nadda. It calls for meetings of state and district task forces to create standard operating procedures for the heatwave season. Early warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department should be disseminated in health facilities and among the vulnerable population for prevention, it adds.
