Bhubaneswar: The health and family welfare department will hold a meeting on March 11 with chief district medical and public health officers (CDMPHOs) to review summer preparedness, with a focus on preventing and managing heatstroke. Govt hospitals are preparing to open dedicated sunstroke wards or earmark beds for patients with heat-related illnesses. The department also advised people to remain cautious while stepping out after 11 am during peak summer. “We are prepared for the summer. If the temperature rises abnormally, we will take necessary steps accordingly. In the meeting, we will discuss with the CDMPHOs to stay alert for any untoward situation in the health sector during the summer,” said Dr Nilakantha Mishra, director of public health. The department issued letters to CDMPHOs and govt hospital authorities, directing them to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the prevention and management of heat-related illnesses as temperatures rise. District authorities were asked to plan preventive and curative measures to reduce morbidity and mortality owing to heat stress disorders, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash, according to the advisory. Officials were also directed to report the stock position of medicines and the number of beds earmarked for heat stress patients in state-run hospitals and to ensure strict compliance with the SOP.As per the SOP, awareness campaigns would be conducted at district and sub-divisional levels to improve public understanding of heat-related illnesses and preventive steps.District surveillance units were instructed to obtain heatwave forecasts from the district emergency cell in the collectorate to enable timely preventive and management measures.Waiting areas for patients in all healthcare institutions must have adequate fans, drinking water and ORS distribution facilities. The department also stressed inter-departmental coordination at district and sub-divisional levels, along with a system for sensitisation and information sharing. A control room is to remain functional round-the-clock to look after the situation, the letter said.
