India: 110 heatwave deaths, 40K+ suspected heatstroke cases reported.
Data shows six heatstroke deaths occurred on June 18 alone in India.
New Delhi: The relentless heatwave in large parts of India has claimed at least 110 lives and left over 40,000 people grappling with suspected heatstroke between March 1 and June 18, according to Health ministry sources. Uttar Pradesh reported 36 deaths, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha, per data from the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance. An official source noted the actual numbers might be higher. On June 18 alone, six heatstroke deaths occurred. The Centre has advised hospitals to set up special units for heatwave patients.
New Delhi: The relentless heatwave in large parts of India has claimed at least 110 lives and left over 40,000 people grappling with suspected heatstroke between March 1 and June 18, according to Health ministry sources. Uttar Pradesh reported 36 deaths, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha, per data from the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance. An official source noted the actual numbers might be higher. On June 18 alone, six heatstroke deaths occurred. The Centre has advised hospitals to set up special units for heatwave patients.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda reviewed the situation across the country and the preparedness of hospitals to deal with it. He also directed officials to ensure all hospitals are prepared to provide the best healthcare to the affected. Under his direction, an advisory for State Health Departments on ‘Heat Wave Season 2024’ has been issued by the health ministry.
heatstroke cases and deaths and total deaths from March 1, in addition to reporting under Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance.
The advisory called for the maintenance of a digital line list of heatstroke cases and deaths (suspected/confirmed) at health facility/hospital levels in given formats. It also emphasized the need to ensure the dissemination of the National Action Plan on Heat Related Illnesses (HRI) to all districts and the strengthening of health systems preparedness for HRI.
New Delhi: The relentless heatwave in large parts of India has claimed at least 110 lives and left over 40,000 people grappling with suspected heatstroke between March 1 and June 18, according to Health ministry sources. Uttar Pradesh reported 36 deaths, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha, per data from the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance. An official source noted the actual numbers might be higher. On June 18 alone, six heatstroke deaths occurred. The Centre has advised hospitals to set up special units for heatwave patients.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda reviewed the situation across the country and the preparedness of hospitals to deal with it. He also directed officials to ensure all hospitals are prepared to provide the best healthcare to the affected. Under his direction, an advisory for State Health Departments on ‘Heat Wave Season 2024’ has been issued by the health ministry.
heatstroke cases and deaths and total deaths from March 1, in addition to reporting under Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance.
The advisory emphasized the importance of disseminating early warnings of heatwaves issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and stressed that the forecast for the next four days should be communicated to health facilities and vulnerable populations. Health facility preparedness for the prevention and management of severe heat-related illnesses (HRI) was also highlighted.
To support the management of volume depletion and electrolyte imbalance, the advisory directed the procurement and supply of adequate quantities of ORS packs, essential medicines, IV fluids, ice-packs, and necessary equipment. Ensuring the availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities was underscored, along with providing general cooling appliances in waiting and patient treatment areas and ensuring their proper functioning.
The advisory stressed that cases with suspected heatstroke should be rapidly assessed and actively cooled using standard treatment protocols. It also advised coordinating with electricity distribution companies to ensure uninterrupted power supply to hospitals for the continuous operation of cooling appliances.
To mitigate indoor heat and conserve energy, health facilities were encouraged to adopt measures such as cool roofs or green roofs, window shading, rainwater harvesting, and solarization. Additionally, providing shade outside health facilities in heat-prone regions was recommended.
Under the directions of the Union Health Minister, special units for heatwave patients are to be set up in all central government hospitals. preparedness for HRI.
Overall, the health ministry’s advisory is a comprehensive effort to address the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave. It outlines specific measures for health facilities and emphasizes the importance of early warnings, adequate supplies, and efficient response protocols to mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat. The goal is to ensure that health systems are well-prepared to handle the increased incidence of heat-related illnesses and provide the best possible care to those affected.