NewKerala.com

Heatwave Alert: Union Health Secretary Urges States to Boost Preparedness

The Union Health Secretary has written to state and UT chief secretaries to enhance heatwave preparedness. The IMD forecasts above-normal heatwave days from April to June 2026 across East, Central, and North-West India. States are advised to set up Heat Stroke Management Units and ensure ambulance services and real-time case reporting. High temperatures of up to 46.9°C were recorded in Akola, with severe heatwave conditions expected in several regions.

Key Points: Heatwave Preparedness: Health Secretary’s Advisory to States

  • Operationalise Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities
  • Ensure adequate ambulance services
  • Disseminate early warnings for timely action
  • Enable real-time heat stroke case reporting on IHIP portal
2 min read

Union Health Secretary urges states, UTs to boost preparedness amid IMD heatwave forecast

Union Health Secretary urges states to activate Heat Stroke Management Units, ensure ambulance services, and report cases on IHIP portal amid IMD’s heatwave forecast for April-June 2026.

"Operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities - Union Health Secretary"

New Delhi, April 28

The Union Health Secretary on Monday wrote to all State and UT Chief Secretaries on heatwave preparedness and advised them to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities, ensure adequate preparedness of ambulance services, disseminate early warnings for timely action, and enable real-time reporting of heat stroke cases on the Ministry's IHIP portal.

According to the letter, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal heatwave days across several parts of the country from April to June 2026, along with its monthly forecast for April.

It further stated that regions in East, Central, and North-West India, along with the South-East Peninsula, are likely to experience an increased number of heatwave days.

Coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are also expected to be significantly affected. Additionally, isolated regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka may witness similar conditions.

In view of the forecast, the Union Health Secretary urged States and Union Territories to ensure preparedness to tackle heat-related illnesses.

This includes operationalising dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities, ensuring adequate ambulance services, disseminating early warnings for timely action, and maintaining real-time reporting of heat stroke cases on the Ministry's Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department said on Sunday that maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-46 degrees Celsius over most parts of the country, except the western Himalayan region, northeast Bihar, and northeast India, where temperatures remain below 36 degrees Celsius.

The weather agency further informed that the highest maximum temperature of 46.9 degrees Celsius was recorded at Akola. The IMD also forecasted heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on April 26, and heatwave conditions on April 27.

The department said heatwave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Jammu and Kashmir on April 26 and 27, and across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat during the same period, with similar conditions expected over parts of Chhattisgarh till April 28.

Hot and humid weather conditions are also very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Tripura, coastal Maharashtra, and coastal areas of Gujarat on April 26, while such conditions are expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Kerala during the specified period.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Good that they're focusing on early warnings and real-time reporting on IHIP. But I worry about our urban poor and daily wagers who can't afford ACs or even fans during power cuts. The government should also ensure cool shelters and water availability in all public spaces, especially in our cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
A
Aman W
Akoola at 46.9°C? That's insane! 😨 Living in Rajasthan, we are used to 45-48°C but this early in the year is scary. Climate change is real. Need more tree plantation drives and cooling centres. Also, why no mention of rural areas where access to healthcare is poor? Hope states have separate plans for villages.
R
Ritika R
Appreciate the letter but let's be honest - every year we get these advisories and then the actual implementation is patchy at best. Ambulance services are already overstretched in most states. And real-time reporting requires trained manpower which many PHCs lack. Need stringent monitoring and accountability too.
K
Karthik V
As someone from coastal Tamil Nadu, hot and humid conditions are nothing new for us. But the intensity has definitely increased over the years. Glad to see Puducherry and Andhra mentioned too. Hope the schools at least adjust timings or declare holidays if it gets too severe. Children are most vulnerable during heatwaves! 🔥
B
Brittany F
Living in Delhi for work, I've experienced how brutal the heat can get here. The warnings about UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Bihar ring true. My concern is for outdoor workers like construction labourers and auto drivers who have no option but to work under

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50