SALEM: Special heatstroke treatment wards have been established at the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital and the Erode Government Medical College and Hospital as temperatures in the region have crossed 38 degrees Celsius.
Both hospitals have set up dedicated five-bed heatstroke treatment wards to manage emergencies. These wards are staffed round the clock by doctors and nurses, according to a government doctor. He urged people stepping out in the heat to drink plenty of water and fruit juices to stay hydrated.
Health officials have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel between 10 am and 3 pm, as the heat wave is expected to intensify in the coming days. They warned that prolonged exposure to the sun could cause skin blisters, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, and heatstroke. Severe heat exposure might lead to stroke, unconsciousness, organ failure, and even life-threatening coma if not treated promptly.
Anyone experiencing dizziness, fainting, or signs of heatstroke should seek immediate treatment at the nearest government hospital, officials added.
Dr. Nanda Prasad, a general medical specialist at Erode Government General Hospital, emphasized that timely medical attention is crucial to prevent serious complications from extreme heat.
