Health ministry asks states to monitor heat-related illnesses, deaths from March 1

A severe heatwave swept through large swathes of India in April, the third hottest April in 122 years, the last being in 1901 (Image: AFP)

The Union health ministry on February 28 directed states to start surveillance of heat-related illnesses and deaths from March 1, as several districts in the country experience higher temperatures than is normal for this time of the year.

In a letter to the state chief secretaries, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said apart from daily surveillance, hospitals should also stock adequate essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, and oral rehydration therapy (ORS) while ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.

“From 1st March, 2023 daily surveillance on heat-related illnesses under National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) in all states and districts will be conducted on Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP,” Bhushan wrote.

He also asked all health facilities to keep line lists of cases and deaths.

“State, districts and city health departments should ensure implementation of heat-related health action plans and support in planning, mapping and assessing response to heat along with responding agencies," the letter, reviewed by Moneycontrol, said.

Hospitals have been asked should ensure uninterrupted electricity for constant functioning of cooling appliances, installation of solar panels and energy conversation measures to reduce indoor heat through cool or green roof and window shades.

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Rain-water harvesting and recycling plants should also be explored for self-sufficiency in water, the Centre has said.