Health Department Outlines Strategies to Combat Heat-Related Ailments

As Jharkhand grapples with soaring temperatures and sporadic rainfall, the Health Department has dispatched a detailed advisory to all districts, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding citizens against heat-related health problems. Alok Trivedi, the Campaign Director of the National Health Mission in Jharkhand, has instructed district civil surgeons to strictly follow the directives issued by the Central Government.

JAMSHEDPUR – With Jharkhand experiencing a combination of intense heat and occasional showers, the Health Department has taken proactive measures by issuing a thorough advisory to all districts, providing guidance on preventing and treating heat-related illnesses effectively.

Local health centers are tasked with organizing awareness drives in their surrounding communities, paying special attention to the needs of high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, expectant mothers, and individuals with serious health conditions.

In emergency situations, healthcare facilities are required to adhere to standardized treatment protocols, while ensuring the availability of water coolers and air coolers in patient wards and outpatient departments.

Both district and block levels are mandated to establish rapid response teams to handle emergency calls efficiently, along with setting up an ORS corner within the first aid room.

Adequate staffing, intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, essential medications, and necessary equipment must be readily available at Sadar hospitals and community health centers.

Patients diagnosed with heat-related illnesses should only be referred from community health centers after receiving proper treatment, and close coordination between these centers and district hospitals is crucial.

The Health Department will actively monitor Heat Related Illness (HRI) cases by collecting daily reports from hospitals across all districts. Civil Surgeons are obligated to submit updated reports on the designated portal and NPCCHH cell email from March to July.

Furthermore, outreach clinics will be established to cater to vulnerable populations, including children below five years, pregnant women, and senior citizens, offering access to cool water, air conditioning, oral rehydration solutions, and comfortable seating in outpatient and inpatient facilities.

Dedicated rooms for treating heat stroke cases will be set up, equipped with essential supplies such as ice packs, cold water, cooling devices, ORS packets, and medications for diarrhea.

Swift response teams at both district and block levels will be formed to efficiently handle emergency calls related to heat-related incidents.

The advisory prioritizes the prompt identification and treatment of individuals suspected to be suffering from heat stroke, along with allocating specific beds in district hospitals for their care.

Alok Trivedi, spearheading the National Health Mission in Jharkhand, has urged civil surgeons across all districts to diligently comply with the guidelines set forth by the Central Government.