The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported seven deaths due to a heat wave across India last month. While five deaths occurred in Maharashtra, one person each died in Telangana and Odisha. These are the figures that the states have reported to the NCDC. The states are likely to submit the next data scheduled by May 15.
“States/UTs are monitoring heat-related ailments and they submit reports to us. Last month, states reported around 7 deaths due to the heat wave,” a senior government official told Mint.
Questions sent to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health on Monday were answered at press time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week chaired a meeting to review heatwave management and monsoon preparedness, in which he stressed the need to take all measures to avoid deaths from heatwaves or fires.
Dr Sujit Singh, Director, NCDC said: “As per the instructions of the Union Health Ministry, NCDC is actively monitoring heat related diseases under Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).
Recently, Health Minister Dr Manouk Mandaviya told Mint that the central government has issued guidelines and action plans to combat heat-related illnesses in states and union territories.
Amid fresh warnings of scorching heat in northern and central India, doctors have advised the elderly, children and people with pre-existing diseases to stay indoors and keep themselves hydrated.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted fresh heat wave conditions over northwest and central India from Monday, including most parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and interior Odisha. .
In Delhi, the Safdarjung Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 40.0 degrees Celsius, while the mean minimum temperature was recorded at 27.6 degrees Celsius.
Due to the scorching heat, many patients are complaining of fever, diarrhea, cramps and dizziness.
Dr. Arvind Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Action Group of Hospitals, said: “In the last week, we have seen about 25%-30% increase in cases in OPDs as compared to normal days. Most patients have symptoms of heatstroke and gastrointestinal infection.
“Children are also suffering from similar symptoms. Elderly people and patients suffering from complications like hypertension, diabetes are more vulnerable. If a person has been exposed to sunlight and feels fever, headache and drowsiness, they should immediately consult a doctor.”
Last month, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan directed all states/UTs to ensure that health facilities are ready to deal with health-related ailments in their jurisdiction and hospitals have access to essential medicines, IV fluids, ice packs, There is adequate stock of ORS and necessary equipment.