The Centre has requested that Health Departments across all states and Union Territories (UTs) enhance the training and awareness of medical officers, health staff, and grassroots workers regarding heat-related illnesses, including their early identification and management.

In a letter to the chief secretaries of each state and advisers to the UT administrators, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized that with summer approaching, there could be an increase in heat exposure and extreme weather conditions. Some regions in the country are already experiencing rising temperatures.

She called attention to the public health and clinical guidelines on ‘Heat and Health’ available on the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) website, urging the dissemination of these materials throughout all districts to ensure health departments and facilities are well-prepared to address the impacts of extreme heat.

Noting that from March 1 onward, patient-level data on clinical diagnoses of heatstroke is being collected via the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for all states and UTs, the health secretary mentioned that recent training sessions were conducted virtually by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) in coordination with the NCDC.

Srivastava stressed the importance of continuing to use the training resources provided by the NCDC and ensuring that all relevant health professionals are equipped to report data on IHIP using their existing credentials.

“The daily heat alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) are being distributed by NPCCHH and NCDC to the states. These alerts forecast heatwaves for the upcoming 3-4 days and should be promptly communicated to all health facilities. Health departments at the state, district, and city levels are encouraged to implement heat-health action plans and collaborate with other agencies in planning, managing, and assessing responses to heat,” she stated.

The health secretary highlighted that the state and UT health departments must persist in their efforts to train medical officers, health staff, and grassroots workers on the recognition and management of heat-related illnesses.

She also instructed a review of health facility preparedness to ensure an adequate supply of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS, and all necessary equipment for emergency cooling. “Guidance on establishing heatstroke management units and protocols for handling severe heat-related illnesses has been provided. Ensuring access to sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and maintaining cooling systems in critical areas is essential,” Srivastava added.

Emphasizing the importance of fire safety in health facilities, she urged thorough inspections, safety audits, and compliance with fire safety standards.

“To enhance resilience against heat, health facilities should ensure a consistent power supply for cooling systems, consider solar panel installations where feasible, implement energy conservation strategies, and employ solutions to reduce indoor heat, such as green roofs, window shades, and outdoor shading. Exploring options for rainwater harvesting and recycling systems may also contribute to water self-sufficiency,” the Health Secretary noted.

Additionally, she encouraged states to leverage information, education, and communication (IEC) materials developed by NPCCHH to raise community awareness about precautions individuals can take to protect themselves during heatwaves.