As Haryana faces heatwave, hospitals step up preparedness with heatstroke units

Gurugram: As a severe heatwave pushes temperatures beyond 40°C across Haryana, health authorities have issued urgent directives to hospitals to ramp up preparedness for a likely surge in heat-related illnesses, with a focus on prevention and rapid response.

In line with these measures, all government and affiliated healthcare facilities have been instructed to establish dedicated heatstroke wards and set up Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) booths to provide immediate assistance to patients suffering from dehydration and extreme heat exposure, reports The Times of India. The move is aimed at ensuring that basic, life-saving care is readily accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.

Alongside strengthening hospital preparedness, the state has also urged residents to take precautions at the household level. People have been advised to maintain proper ventilation in their homes, especially in situations where access to cooling appliances like air conditioners or air coolers is limited. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate citizens about early symptoms of heat-related illnesses and the importance of staying hydrated.

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To closely monitor the situation, authorities have activated a surveillance system under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). Hospitals are required to report cases of heat-related illnesses through a centralized digital platform, enabling real-time data tracking and quicker decision-making. Weekly reporting mechanisms have also been put in place to ensure accountability and prompt intervention if case numbers rise.

Healthcare centres have been directed by Gurgaon’s Chief Medical Officer, Lokveer Singh, to maintain adequate stocks of ORS packets, essential medicines, intravenous fluids, and emergency equipment. Facilities have also been instructed to ensure the availability of cold drinking water, ice packs, and well-ventilated spaces for patient care. Additionally, cooling devices such as fans, air conditioners, and coolers are being used wherever available to help stabilise patients more effectively.

On the ground, several hospitals have already begun implementing these directives by setting up specialized wards and training medical staff to handle heatstroke cases efficiently. Mobile health units are being deployed to reach remote and high-risk areas, while frontline workers, including ASHA and ANM personnel, are playing a key role in identifying and reporting suspected cases in real time.

Additionally, the administration is focusing on broader relief measures such as establishing temporary cooling centres and water kiosks in public spaces. Alerts and advisories are being widely circulated through media platforms to keep the public informed, reports The Daily.

Doctors across the state have reported a noticeable increase in patients presenting symptoms like dehydration, dizziness, vomiting, and fatigue. Experts warn that without timely intervention, these conditions can escalate into life-threatening emergencies, underscoring the importance of both public awareness and a robust healthcare response during the peak summer months.

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