Union Health Minister Directs Hospitals to Enhance Heatwave Preparedness Amid Rising Temperatures
New Delhi, 19th June 2024: The Union health minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has instructed officials to ensure that all hospitals are fully equipped to provide optimal healthcare to those affected by the ongoing heatwave. During a review of preparedness at central government hospitals, Nadda emphasized the establishment of dedicated units to manage heatwave conditions.
These directives from Nadda coincide with widespread high temperatures across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that severe heatwave conditions will persist across several parts of North India today, gradually subsiding as a western disturbance approaches northwest India. Reports indicate that Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has recorded five fatalities suspected to be due to heatstroke, with 12 individuals, primarily daily wage labourers, in critical condition and receiving ventilator support.
Dr Ajay Shukla, medical superintendent at the hospital, informed that a total of 22 patients have been admitted, with the majority being labourers accustomed to extreme working conditions. The IMD has also predicted that monsoon rains are expected to arrive in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) by June 30. Dr Naresh Kumar, an IMD scientist, mentioned to ANI that Delhi-NCR may experience temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius today, with the possibility of dust storms and light rainfall.
Meanwhile, according to data from the State Load Dispatch Centre, Delhi recorded its highest-ever peak power demand at 8,647 MW on Tuesday at 3:22 PM, exacerbated by the ongoing heatwave. Additionally, the heatwave has intensified the water scarcity in Delhi, compelling residents to rely on water tankers for their daily water needs.
