Rajasthan: Special measures rolled out at Sawai Man Singh hospital to tackle heatwave
Jaipur, May 28
As the spell of severe heat continues across Rajasthan, temperatures have reached or exceeded 45 degrees Celsius in most districts. Special arrangements have been put in place for patients visiting the state's largest government facility, Sawai Man Singh hospital during this summer season.
As Rajasthan's largest government hospital, the facility witnesses a daily influx of thousands of patients and their accompanying family members. Consequently, special measures have been implemented here to provide relief from the heat.
Deepak Maheshwari, Principal and Controller, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur said that tin sheds and shaded areas have been set up at various locations, alongside arrangements for providing cold drinking water.
Furthermore, a dedicated ward and a separate medical unit staffed by specialized doctors have been deployed to attend to patients suffering from heat-related ailments.
"We have put up green curtains everywhere in our hospital where patients are directly exposed to sunlight. We have arranged cold water everywhere. In most places, patients have been asked to sit under shades, and we have made arrangements for shades in most areas. We have identified wards--new wards have been set up. Along with wards, we have also designated ICUs for heatwave patients," he said.
According to Maheshwari, the prevailing heatwave and severe temperatures can pose various health risks to critically ill patients. In particular, young children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from chronic or serious medical conditions are advised to exercise extreme caution during this summer season.
He advised the people to avoid venturing outdoors into the sunlight and ensure they maintain a continuous intake of fluids
"We have spoken about this multiple times. I have advised that people should not go out in extreme heat unless it is absolutely necessary. If they do go out in the heat, they should drink plenty of water, wear full-sleeved clothes, use umbrellas, and those who are vulnerable--like people with heart problems, the elderly, or children (those on both ends of the age spectrum), or those suffering from other diseases--need to take extra precautions," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I visited SMS hospital last week with my mother who has heart problems. Yes, there were some shaded areas and RO water coolers, but the crowd was still unbearable. We sat under a green curtain for 2 hours. Hope they open more dedicated ICUs because old people like my mother can't handle 45°C waiting. Bahut mushkil hai yaar. 😔
Finally some government hospital taking heatwave seriously. Last year in Delhi's Safdarjung, there was zero such arrangement. But still, why do patients need to sit in direct sunlight at all? The hospital design itself is an issue. Also, water availability is good but what about ORS packets and coolers? These are basic needs in 45°C. 👏
Deepak Maheshwari sir's advice is common sense but many rural patients ignore it. They come from villages in open tractors, no umbrella, no water. We need awareness campaigns in local languages in every panchayat. Hospital can't solve everything - we need collective responsibility too. Heatstroke is no joke. 🌡️
Good to see proactive steps but this is a temporary fix. Rajasthan needs long-term solutions like more shade trees in hospital campuses, better building design, and ceiling fans in waiting areas. The "green curtains" might help for a week, but what about next year? Still, appreciate the effort by SMS team. 🙏
My father is diabetic and had to go to SMS for a checkup. They gave us cold water immediately and directed us to a shaded area. Staff
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