As temperatures across the country soar with the summer season setting in and upcoming heatwave days, the Centre has asked states to review the preparedness of health facilities for managing heatstroke cases and heat-related illnesses.
In a letter to states, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said the onset of summer may increase exposure to heat, including extreme conditions.
Some places of the country have begun witnessing high temperatures, Punya Salila noted while enclosing the Seasonal Outlook from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for summer 2025.
Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted nearly double the number of heatwave days across Northwest India this summer.
Centre writes to states over heatwave: Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Thursday wrote to states asking all health departments to ensure the implementation of ‘Heat-Health’ action plans and support in planning, managing, and assessing response to heat along with other responding agencies. The Union Health Secretary said the guidance on developing heatstroke management units and emergency management of severe heat-related illnesses has been disseminated.
Availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and the continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensured, she said