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In a proactive effort to ensure public health preparedness for the management of heat-related illnesses, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, chaired a meeting today. The discussion focused on generating awareness and enhancing coordination to address the challenges posed by heatwaves effectively. Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, were also present during the session.
Dr. Mandaviya stressed the necessity of continuous efforts to generate awareness among the public for better management of heatwaves, emphasizing that effective addressing leads to effective management. He highlighted the importance of creating a central database with inputs from states to share field-level data on heatwaves, including deaths and cases, to make a realistic assessment of the situation. Additionally, he urged for timely action upon receiving alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in the states, underlining the significance of advance awareness among the people on preventive measures.
Furthermore, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar emphasized the formation of state-level and district-level committees for information and awareness campaigns among people. She stressed the importance of equipping health facilities with necessary resources such as water coolers and ice packs to address heat-related illnesses effectively. Dr. V K Paul emphasized the importance of following guidelines at the state level and spreading awareness on treatment protocols through various channels.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided a detailed analysis of heatstroke forecasting, patterns, climatology, and vulnerable zones in India. It was highlighted that Heat Action Plans have been updated in 23 states, and around 100 districts have initiated campaigns for heatwave awareness generation.
In addition, an advisory issued by the Union Health Secretary on February 29, 2024, emphasized compliance with the National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses for effective preparedness of health facilities. States were advised to review their health facility preparedness and ensure essential supplies and infrastructure to address heat impacts and manage cases effectively.
The meeting witnessed the presence of several senior officials, including Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research, and Shri Kamal Kishore, Member & Head of the National Disaster Management Authority, among others.
This concerted effort reflects the government’s commitment to proactively address public health challenges and ensure the well-being of citizens, particularly during periods of extreme weather conditions.
For further updates and information on heatwave management, beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
