INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to launch day-to-day security of heart-related health
problem starting Wednesday in view of the projection of a warmer than normal summer season by India Meteorological Department (IMD)
In a letter to primary secretaries of all states/UTs, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has said the daily security will be carried out
on Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) - a digital platform for disease security in the country
All health facilities taking part in this exercise will be needed to keep a line list of cases (of heat-related illness) and deaths and
share it on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), the letter adds.It also recommends the states/UTs to without delay
disseminate everyday heat alerts by the central firms showing forecast of heat waves for the next couple of days with the state, district
and city health departments
The letter states prompt dissemination of such information would help ensure application of heat-related action plans and support in
preparation, handling and examining reaction to heat in addition to the responding agencies.The regular body temperature level ranges from
36.4 o Celsius to 37.2 o Celsius
The health ministry states exposure to high outside or indoor temperatures can induce heat tension, directly or indirectly, leading to
diseases which may include heat rash, muscle cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Severe heat conditions are likewise related to increased rates of heat stress and heat stroke, exacerbation of cardiac arrest and severe
kidney injury from dehydration.The health secretary has in his letter encouraged that states/UTs should review the readiness of health
centers for schedule of adequate amounts of necessary medications, intravenous fluids, ice bag, ORS and all essential equipment
The IMD has actually forecasted boosted likelihood of event of heatwave during the coming 3 months (March to May) over many parts of
central and adjacent northwest India.
