Prolonged Heatwave Claims 143 Lives; Health Ministry Issues Urgent Advisory

The ongoing heatwave across northern and eastern India has resulted in 143 deaths and affected nearly 41,789 people with suspected heatstroke from March 1 to June 20. Health Minister J P Nadda has urged for special units in hospitals to manage the crisis effectively.

The prolonged heatwave sweeping large parts of the country has intensified its grim toll, claiming 143 lives and affecting 41,789 people with suspected heatstroke, according to Health Ministry sources.

However, these figures, compiled under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), are expected to rise as many states have yet to update their data.

The shortage of comprehensive reports from various health facilities compounds the challenge. As of June 20, there have been 14 confirmed and nine suspected heatstroke deaths in a single day, escalating the death toll from March-June to 143 from 114. Uttar Pradesh has been the hardest hit, reporting 35 deaths, followed closely by Delhi with 21, and Bihar and Rajasthan with 17 each.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has directed officials to visit Central hospitals to ensure special arrangements are made for heatwave-affected patients. He emphasized the need for all hospitals to be prepared and called for the establishment of dedicated heatwave units.

In response, the Health Ministry has issued an advisory for the 'Heat Wave Season 2024,' urging all state health departments to enhance their readiness and ensure timely response to extreme heat conditions.

This advisory includes maintaining a digital record of heatstroke cases, ensuring adequate supplies of ORS packs, medicines, and cooling equipment, and coordinating with electricity providers to maintain uninterrupted power supply for cooling appliances.

Additionally, measures such as cool roofs, window shading, rainwater harvesting, and solarization are recommended to reduce indoor heat and conserve energy.

The advisory also calls for the dissemination of early heatwave warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to health facilities and vulnerable populations to enhance preparedness and minimize health impacts.