The health department of Rajasthan has issued comprehensive guidelines to prevent and manage heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses amid extreme summer conditions. District administrations and public health institutions have been directed to ensure preparedness and swift treatment.
District-Level Implementation
At the district level, the chief medical and health officer will implement the heatwave action plan under the supervision of the district collector. This will be done in coordination with other departments and with support from the district disaster management committee.
Infrastructure and Facilities
A senior official stated that all medical institutions have been instructed to provide shaded waiting areas, safe drinking water, and proper ventilation for patients and attendants. Hospitals must ensure functional fans, coolers, air conditioners, and other cooling systems.
Reserved beds have been mandated for heatwave and heatstroke patients: 20 in medical college hospitals, 10 in district and sub-district hospitals, five in community health centres, and one in primary health centres.
Dedicated Heatstroke Corners
Each institution must set up a dedicated heatstroke treatment corner or room for early identification, primary care, and stabilisation of patients. Adequate stocks of ice packs or ice cubes must be maintained.
Institutions have also been directed to follow standard heatstroke management protocols and set up ORS corners. Doctors, paramedical staff, auxiliary nurse midwives, and community health officers will be trained in prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses.
Medical Supplies and Equipment
Hospitals must maintain adequate stocks of IV fluids and ORS, as well as functional diagnostic facilities. ECG, X-ray, and CBC machines are to remain operational round the clock.
First-aid kits will be provided to workers at MNREGA sites. Districts have also been asked to earmark dedicated ambulances for heatstroke patients, equipped with ice boxes, TACO tarpaulin, and air conditioners.
Power Supply and Reporting
Hospitals have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, clean drinking water, and operational backup systems, including generators and inverters.
Institution heads must report heatstroke cases at the district level, while IDSP teams will compile and upload data to the Directorate and IHIP portal. Any heatstroke-related death will undergo a medical audit.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The department has also directed IEC campaigns targeting high-risk groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, and children, along with wider public awareness drives through inter-departmental coordination.
