Punjab Health Minister reaffirms state-wide readiness for extreme heat
Chandigarh, May 23
Amidst the increase in extreme heat conditions across the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh on Saturday said that the health department has already taken proactive steps to prepare facilities and the workforce to prevent, mitigate, and manage the impacts of extreme heat, a release said.
The Minister highlighted that extreme heat exposure significantly raises the risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, while exacerbating existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
Singh said, "To ensure the safety of our citizens, all Civil Surgeons have been directed to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units across all District Hospitals, Sub-Division Hospitals, and Community Health Centres."
He emphasised that these wards are clearly marked and equipped with active cooling measures, including ice packs and cold IV fluids. Essential medical supplies, such as ORS and emergency drugs, are well-stocked at every public health facility.
The Minister further noted that ambulance preparedness has been strengthened to provide pre-hospital cooling during transit. "The state is utilizing the IHIP portal for real-time monitoring of Heat-Related Illness (HRI) cases, and District Task Force meetings are being conducted to coordinate heat action plans with departments like Education, Labour, and Transport," it added.
"While our medical teams are well-trained and ready, I urge the public, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, to remain vigilant and follow the department's safety guidelines," Singh added.
The health department has advised people to stay hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals of 20 to 30 minutes even if they are not thirsty, and to consume ORS, lassi, and lemon water to maintain hydration levels.
It has advised people to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothing and to protect their heads using umbrellas, hats, or cloth coverings when stepping outdoors.
The advisory recommends scheduling outdoor work during cooler hours in the early morning or evening to avoid peak heat exposure.
It also advises consumption of water-rich fruits such as watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers, along with small and frequent meals to reduce heat stress on the body.
People have been advised to keep indoor environments cool by using fans, curtains, and proper ventilation to reduce indoor temperatures.
Employers have been urged to provide shaded rest areas and adequate drinking water for outdoor workers to ensure their safety during high temperatures.
The advisory warns people to avoid going out in direct sunlight between 12 pm and 3 pm unless absolutely necessary.
It also advises limiting the intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, and sugary carbonated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.
People have been advised to avoid heavy, spicy, or stale food that may strain digestion during extreme heat conditions.
The advisory further recommends avoiding strenuous physical activity during peak afternoon hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
It has also cautioned citizens never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short duration.
The health department has advised that immediate medical attention should be sought if a person develops a body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
It also warned that symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or altered mental state may indicate severe heat stroke requiring urgent care.
Other danger signs include hot, red, or dry skin, along with severe headache, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat, all of which require emergency medical intervention.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Important advisory about not leaving children or pets in cars - I see people doing this all the time at malls and supermarkets. Even 5 minutes in a parked car can be dangerous. And the tip about drinking water every 20-30 minutes even if not thirsty is something we all forget. Common sense but good to have it officially stated.
While the preparedness sounds good on paper, I wonder how many of these heat stroke units are actually functional in rural Punjab. Often there's a gap between directives and ground reality. Hope the district task forces are truly coordinating with labour and education departments, not just holding meetings for the sake of it. 🤔
The advisory about avoiding tea, coffee, and alcohol during heat is something many Punjabis won't like hearing! 😅 But seriously, staying hydrated with lassi and lemon water is great advice - our traditional drinks are perfect for this weather. Also appreciate the tip about eating small frequent meals and consuming water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber.
This is sensible heat management advice. I'm from Australia where we deal with extreme heat regularly, and the measures mentioned here (cooling stations, pre-hospital cooling in ambulances, real-time case monitoring) are standard practice. Good to see Punjab implementing evidence-based approaches. The temperature of 40°C or higher as a medical emergency threshold is spot on.
As someone who works outdoors, I really appreciate the employers being urged to provide shade and water. Many construction workers and vegetable vendors don't have that option. Also the 12-3pm avoidance window is crucial - I've seen too many people having heat strokes
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