Delhi heatwave: Health minister JP Nadda reviews central govt hospitals, Centre issues advisory

NEW DELHI: As cases of heatstroke spike in several parts of north India due to an unrelenting heatwave, Union health minister JP Nadda on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness of central government hospitals to deal with the situation.
According to the health ministry, Nadda directed the officials to ensure that all hospitals are prepared to provide the best healthcare to the affected on a priority basis.

He also directed hospitals to set up special heatwave units to tend to those affected.
The Health ministry issued an advisory to all States and UTs to start daily submission of data on heatstroke cases and deaths and total deaths from March 1, 2024 and also make the public aware of precautions to be taken to safeguard against extreme heat.
The ministry asked the State Nodal Officers under National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) to must ensure following activities.
"1) Dissemination of following guidelines to all districts: A) National Action Plan on Heat Related Illnesses, MoHFW
B) Strengthening Health Systems Preparedness for Heat Related Illnesses (HRI) in India National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines for preparation of action plan for prevention and management of heat wave. 2. Implement Heat-Health Action Plan, a chapter of State Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health at State level: A) Support implementation at district-specific and city-level heat-health action plans for focused preparedness and response." the advisory read.

"Start daily submission of data on heatstroke cases and deaths, emergency attendance and total deaths from March 01, 2024, on IHIP portal under National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health and submit data from health facilities, PHC and above, through the designated form (aggregate/patient-level) using P-form level entry
• Ensure maintenance of digital line list of heatstroke cases and deaths (suspected/confirmed) at health facility/hospital level in given formats," it added.
The ministry also asked the IMD to update the heatwave details after 1600 hours IST with forecast for next four days should be disseminated to health facilities and vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, Delhi government's health department issued a circular to all MS, MDs and CDMOs to ensure that Emergency services remain operational all 24 hours in the hospitals and a senior doctor must always remain present in the Emergency to handle heatstroke patients. MS/MDs must personally ensure the immediate admission and treatment of such patients, to ensure that the maximum lives could be saved, mentions the notice.
Amid Delhi's scorching heatwave, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has recorded five suspected heatstroke deaths and critical conditions for 12 others, primarily daily wage laborers.
Dr. Ajay Shukla reported 11 admissions in a single day, totaling 45 heat-related cases since the heatwave began. Delayed hospital arrivals, especially among laborers, contribute to a high mortality rate, stressing the need for timely treatment and public awareness.
"A total of 22 patients have been admitted to the hospital and five have lost their lives due to suspected heatstroke. 12 patients are on ventilators and in critical situation. The majority of patients are labourers who work in extreme conditions," the hospital official said.
He also added that the main reason for the deaths was a delay in reaching the hospital. "So far we have received a total of 45-50 patients and around 7 people have died since the beginning of the heatwave situation," he said.
"Most of the patients are poor migrant labourers. They do a lot of physical work so they are very prone to heatstroke. Most of the patients die because they are late in reaching the hospital. The mortality rate in this is 60-70 per cent. If treatment is delayed, the number of deaths can be quite high," he added
He said that delays in administering treatment to heatstroke victims led to such them landing in Intensive Care Units.
Recently, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority advised people against going out in the sun, especially between noon and 3 pm. It has suggested that people should drink water as often as possible, even when not thirsty, and carry water with them while travelling.
IMD scientist, Dr Naresh Kumar said that that even though the weather is improving, the IMD has issued the Orange alert for the Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.
"We had issued a red alert for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar yesterday, but today conditions have improved. There has been rainfall activity in Bihar. For Punjab, Haryana and Delhi NCR, we have issued an orange alert but for West Uttar Pradesh we have issued a red alert for the next 2 days, there is a red alert for Uttar Pradesh as well today," he added.
The regional meteorological centre, part of IMD, forecasted the minimum temperature in the capital to be 34 Degrees Celsius. But still the IMD said that there will be heat wave conditions at a few places over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana & Delhi and at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir. Warm night conditions at a few places over Punjab, Haryana & Delhi and at isolated places over Rajasthan.
(With inputs from agencies)