‘110 heatwave deaths, over 40,000 heatstroke cases across country’, says Union health ministry

Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Wednesday held a review meeting on the heatwave situation in the country

The highest number of such deaths was reported from Uttar Pradesh (36), followed by Bihar (17), and Rajasthan (16). PTI

There have been 110 confirmed heatstroke deaths in the country since March – six of which were recorded last Tuesday – as per data collected by the Union health ministry. Moreover, there have been 40,272 cases of heatstroke this summer.

The highest number of such deaths was reported from Uttar Pradesh (36), followed by Bihar (17), and Rajasthan (16). The highest number of heatstroke cases, however, were reported by Madhya Pradesh. The state reported 10,636 heatstroke cases but only five confirmed deaths, the data informally shared by sources said.

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Notably, there were only 56 confirmed heatstroke deaths and 24,849 cases till May end.

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Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Wednesday held a review meeting on the heatwave situation in the country, following which guidelines for heatwave were reiterated by Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel to the states.

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“Most regions of our country are experiencing above normal day as well as nighttime temperatures continuously. Such conditions increase (the) chances of development of severe heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It is imperative that such cases of severe HRI are identified in time, triaged, and provided immediate attention with rapid, active cooling and subsequent supportive care as time is vital,” reads a letter sent by Goel to states and hospitals.

In addition to urging states to report heatstroke cases and deaths, the guidelines also provide pointers on how health facilities should prepare for heatwaves and how mass gatherings or sporting events should be organised.

Anonna Dutt

Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country’s space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University’s Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor’s Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More

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