With many parts of the country already experiencing peak summer-type weather and forecasts hinting above-average temperatures in some regions, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Tuesday asked the States for daily surveillance on heat-related illnesses starting from March 1.
Bhushan said that the daily surveillance under National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) will be conducted in all States, asking the officials to disseminate this guidance document to all districts for effective preparedness of the health department and health facilities.
“Health Departments of the State must continue efforts on sensitization and capacity building of medical officers, health staff, grass-root level workers on heat illness, its early recognition and management,” the top health official said.
“Health Facility preparedness must be reviewed for the availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS and all necessary equipment. Availability of sufficient drinking water at all Health Facilities and continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensured,” he added.