With several districts in Karnataka witnessing rising mercury levels and heatwave conditions, the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services has issued a comprehensive advisory. The directive focuses on managing heat-related illnesses and preventing heatstroke-related risks and fatalities across healthcare institutions.
Setting Up Heat Stroke Management Rooms
To strengthen preparedness, authorities have mandated the establishment of Heat Stroke Management Rooms in hospitals. Specifically, community health centres must allocate two beds, taluk hospitals five beds, and district hospitals ten beds for heat-related cases. Moreover, institutions must ensure that these facilities remain fully operational every year from March 1 to July 31, thereby covering the peak summer period.
Training Healthcare Staff and Strengthening Basic Care
In addition, the advisory emphasizes capacity building among healthcare professionals. All doctors and paramedical staff must undergo training to effectively manage Heat Related Illnesses (HRI). Furthermore, hospitals must set up Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) corners to provide immediate relief and prevent dehydration among patients.
Mandatory Daily Reporting
As reported by The Hindu, to ensure real-time monitoring, all healthcare institutions must submit daily reports on heat-related illnesses to the Integrated Health Information Platform. This step will help authorities track trends, respond promptly, and allocate resources efficiently.
Several Districts Cross 40°C Mark
Meanwhile, the heatwave has already intensified in multiple regions. Districts such as Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, Koppal, and Ballari have recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C. Consequently, the advisory underscores the urgent need for preventive measures and timely medical intervention.