Ranchi: State health and disaster management minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday asked all hospitals to remain on high alert and ensure availability of essential medicines to tackle heat-related illnesses, amid rising temperatures. The Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for heatwave in Garhwa, Palamu, and Chatra districts for Friday and Saturday.
Emergency Measures Ordered
Ansari directed civil surgeons to ensure emergency medical arrangements to tackle heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses. “The current weather conditions could turn into a potential public health disaster,” the minister warned. “All government hospitals, Sadar hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres across the state have been placed on high alert.”
Stockpiles and Preparedness
Hospitals have been stocked with ORS, essential medicines, IV fluids, emergency beds, and cooling facilities. Medical teams are on alert mode to provide immediate treatment to patients, he added.
Public Advisory
Appealing to people not to step out unnecessarily and avoid direct sunlight, Ansari said: “People should take sufficient fluids to keep themselves hydrated and cover themselves with a cloth, cap, or umbrella while going out in the sun.” He advised immediate consultation with doctors if symptoms like dizziness, excessive sweating, vomiting, high fever, unconsciousness, or weakness occur.
Temperature Records
On Thursday, Ranchi recorded 38.9°C, a 2.1°C rise from normal; Jamshedpur 43.1°C, a 5.4°C rise; Chaibasa 41.8°C, a 3°C rise; and Daltonganj 45.2°C, a 4.4°C rise from normal, the highest maximum temperature in the state.
