Heat Stroke Alert: Special Ward Opens Amidst Scorching Kalaburagi

In response to soaring temperatures, Kalaburagi's Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital has established a specialized 20-bed ward for heat stroke patients. This initiative comes as the district recorded a scorching 45.5 degrees Celsius in Ainapur village, signaling a critical need for immediate medical attention. The ward is fully equipped with necessary medicines and staffed by general physicians and a dedicated nursing team, offering emergency treatment for heat-related illnesses. Previously, heat stroke patients were treated in general wards, but the rising case numbers necessitated this dedicated facility.

The district administration is actively engaged in public sensitisation efforts, particularly targeting the elderly, farmers, children, and women. Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors or seek shaded areas between 11 am and 4 pm daily to mitigate the risk of heatstroke. This public health advisory is being disseminated through various media channels, including social media. Similar protocols are being implemented at all taluk and primary health centers across the district, ensuring a consistent approach to managing the heatwave.

Officials emphasize the importance of staying hydrated by consuming ample water, juices, and buttermilk. These measures are crucial for maintaining body temperature and preventing heat-related ailments. The newly opened GIMS ward currently houses 12 patients, with a dynamic admission and discharge process to accommodate the ongoing influx. This ensures continuous care and management of heat stroke victims during this period of extreme heat.