Heat Wave : Health Minister J P Nadda Takes Review ; Spike In Heat Strokes In Delhi Hospitals, Power Supply Demand Too All-Time High

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Amid scalding temperatures in large parts of the country, Union Health Minister JP Nadda has reviewed the heatwave situation and preparedness of central government hospitals.

Nadda directed officials to ensure that all hospitals are prepared for providing the best care to those affected.

He also ordered that special heatwave units be started in the central government-run hospitals.

Earlier this month, the Union health ministry urged states and Union Territories to conduct follow-up reviews for ensuring dedicated heatstroke rooms, ORS corners and strengthening surveillance, besides implementing critical fire and electrical safety measures at all healthcare facilities.

They were asked to assess the preparedness for heatwave conditions and the fire and electrical safety measures adopted by the healthcare facilities.

According to PTI, Hospitals in Delhi are witnessing a spike in heatstroke cases and casualties as a brutal heatwave continues to batter the national capital, officials said .

According to PTI, Massive consumption of electricity amid a punishing heat wave sustaining over weeks pushed peak power demand of Delhi to an all-time high level of 8,656 MW on Wednesday afternoon, said discom officials.

At the Centre-run RML Hospital, the authorities received 22 patients in the last two days. There have been five deaths and 12 to 13 patients are on ventilator support.

“The victims did not have any co-morbidities. When such people come to the hospital, their core body temperature is recorded and, if it is found more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no other cause, they are declared as heatstroke patients. Those who succumb to heatstroke are declared as ‘suspected heatstroke’. There is a committee of the Delhi government that later confirms the deaths,” a senior hospital official said.

To ensure immediate cooling of the body, the hospital has set up a first-of-its-kind heatstroke unit.

“The unit has cooling technology and the patients are kept in baths filled with ice and water. When their body temperature goes below 102 degrees Fahrenheit, they are monitored. If they are stable, they are shifted into the ward. Otherwise, they are put on a ventilator. Most of the patients who are admitted are labourers,” the official added.