Odisha Govt Issues Heat Wave Advisory To All Hospitals

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has asked the district public health authorities to remain prepared and take necessary steps to deal with heat stress disorders as the mercury is all set to soar further in coming days.

In a letter to the Superintendents of government medical colleges and hospitals, Chief District Medical & Public Health Officers and health officers of municipalities, the Odisha Directorate of Public Health directed them to plan preventive as well as curative measures to minimise morbidity and mortality in the community.

Noting that heat wave changes usually occur from April-June in Odisha, the letter said that the temperature has started rising in the last week of February at different places across the state.

“As you are aware that heat wave changes may cause heat stress disorders like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramp, heat rash, etc … the district authority needs to plan preventive and curative measures to reduce morbidity and mortality in the community,” it said

Every district has been asked to prepare a comprehensive action plan and send a copy of the same to the Directorate of Public Health. Similarly, the District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs) have been directed to submit the status of the stock of medicines along with details of quantity in all the health institutions.

The health facilities have been advised to ensure an adequate supply of ORS packets and other drugs.

The hospitals have also been directed to provide details on the number of beds, air coolers/air-conditioner rooms, refrigerators and deep-freezers in working condition, and telephones, sources said.

All the hospitals in the state have been asked to ensure that their control rooms remain functional round the clock till July 15 to deal with heat wave.