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Jharkhand on High Alert as Heatwave Grips State
5 Mar
Summary
- Civil surgeons directed to prepare for heatwave illnesses.
- Hospitals must allot five beds for heatstroke management.
- Temperatures rising across the state, expected to increase further.
With temperatures rising across Jharkhand, the National Health Mission (NHM) has issued directives to civil surgeons in all 24 districts to bolster preparations for heatwave-related illnesses. This proactive measure aims to strengthen prevention, monitoring, and treatment capabilities throughout the state.
NHM director Shashi Prakash Jha has urged civil surgeons to ensure hospitals are adequately equipped to manage patients suffering from heat-related ailments. A key directive is the establishment of a dedicated heatstroke management unit in each district hospital, comprising five beds. Additionally, all outpatient departments (OPDs) must routinely screen patients for heatstroke symptoms and ensure the availability of essential supplies such as intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and necessary medications.
The advisory also emphasizes public awareness through self-help groups at district and block levels. For severe cases, patients should receive preliminary treatment at community health centers before being transferred to district hospitals via 108 ambulances, which must be equipped with heat protection equipment. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures have been steadily increasing, with cities like Bokaro and Chaibasa experiencing significant rises above normal. The India Meteorological Department predicts a further increase of 2-3°C in maximum temperatures between March 8 and March 11.
