Mandaviya Orders Deployment Of Central Team In UP And Bihar Amid Heatwave-Related Illnesses
Recognizing the importance of preparedness through awareness and early action, Mandaviya instructed the ICMR to conduct research on minimizing the impact of heatwave on health.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday directed the deployment of a team of experts from the Union health ministry, ICMR, IMD, and NDMA in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for addressing heat-related illnesses. He also asked the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) to conduct a study to find ways to minimise the effect of the heatwaves on health, with specific action plan, reported news agency ANI.
Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar and V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, were also present.
Recognizing the importance of preparedness through awareness and early action, Mandaviya instructed the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct research on minimizing the impact of heatwaves on health. This includes developing short, medium, and long-term action plans. The Health Minister emphasized that the central government has already taken timely measures ahead of the summer to address heatwave-related illnesses, reported news agency PTI.
In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review preparedness for the summer season, and the Ministry of Health issued a heatwave advisory in February, urging states to review health facility preparedness and disseminate essential information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. The National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses was shared with all states.
During the meeting, Mandaviya received updates on the status of heatwaves in various states and the preparedness of central agencies in terms of necessary supplies and hospital infrastructure. It was reported that daily surveillance on heat-related illnesses is being conducted in all states and districts through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) ensures this surveillance, and health facilities are required to participate using the provided login system.
The National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses, released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in July 2021, outlines standard operating procedures (SOPs) for surveillance, preparedness, and management of heatstroke cases and deaths. The plan focuses on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and manual labourers. It advises states to enhance resiliency to extreme heat at health facilities, including measures like uninterrupted electric supply, solar panel installation, and techniques to reduce indoor heat.
Mandaviya stressed the importance of sensitizing medical officers, health staff, and grassroots workers on early recognition and management of heat-related illnesses. He also urged states and central agencies to enhance public awareness through multimedia IEC campaigns. Furthermore, Mandaviya requested the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue easily interpretable and widely disseminated daily weather forecasts, the PTI report stated.
The collaborative efforts and proactive measures discussed during the meeting aim to improve public health response and reduce the impact of heatwaves across the country.
Top Headlines
Trending News
