Surviving Heatwave: Union Health Ministry Holds Review Meeting

As per the long-range outlook forecast issued by IMD on 27th May’24, it is said that in June’24, most parts of India might receive above-normal monthly maximum temperatures raising concern among authorities and masses alike.

In connection with this forecast, Dr Atul Goel, DGHS, Union Health Ministry conducted a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories to assess the preparedness of heatwave conditions, fire and electrical safety measures adopted by various healthcare facilities across the country. IMD has also mentioned that except in parts of southern peninsular India, where normal to below normal temperatures are most likely. During June, above-normal heat wave days are likely over most areas of Northwest India and adjoining parts of central India.

State Health departments have been sent the following directives:

Through a letter sent on 23rd March 2024, States/UTs have been requested to take proactive measures to prevent devastating incidents caused by extreme heat. This was followed by another letter on 29 May 2024 for taking all preventive measures in respect to fire safety.

• Advisory for state health departments, guidelines on Strengthening Health Systems Preparedness for Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI)

• A Public Health Advisory (PHA) with Do’s and Don’ts and IEC poster templates.

• Guidelines on emergency cooling for severe heat-related illnesses.

• Guidelines on autopsy findings in heat-related deaths were disseminated to all AIIMS & medical colleges across the country

• Joint communication from the Secretary (Health), MoHFW and NDMA and communication from DGHS on health facility fire safety measures.

• Checklist for assessment of health facility and ambulance preparedness to prevent and manage health impacts of heat.

The following detailed steps and measures to be undertaken by State/UTs were reiterated in the meeting:

• Implementation of Heat Health Action Plan

• Dissemination of early warning of heat waves issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• Preparedness Assessment of all Health Care Facilities & Ambulance preparedness for prevention and management of HRI

• Strengthening Heat-Related Illness and Death surveillance on IHIP

• Dedicated Heat Stroke room at all Health Care facilities

• Issue health advisories and plan IEC activities

• Sensitization and capacity building of medical officers and health care staff of health facilities on HRI symptoms, case identification, clinical management, emergency cooling and surveillance reporting.

• Health facility resiliency to extreme heat

• HRI-Focused Mass Gathering/Sporting Event Preparedness

• Conducting regular preventive fire risk assessment drills to identify potentially vulnerable areas

• Implementing appropriate fire prevention measures, such as proper storage of flammable materials and regular and optimal preventive maintenance of electrical circuits and systems.

• Providing staff training on fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and use of fire-fighting equipment.

• Installation and optimum maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems, including smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers.

• Establishing an emergency response plan with SOPs for evacuating patients, staff, and visitors in the untoward event of a fire.

• Most importantly, regular conduction of mock emergency drills without compromise.