Summer Advisory: Odisha Issues Heat Wave consulting To All Health Facilities
In view of IMD’s forecast of heatwave condition due to rise in normal temperature in eastern India during the summer season this year, the Odisha government has issued an advisory to the district public health authorities directing them to be prepared to deal with heat stress disorders.
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 minimize morbidity and mortality in the community.
The letter read, “Heat wave changes usually occur from April-June in our state. Currently, 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.”
In this context, each district has been directed to prepare a brief comprehensive action plan and send a copy to the Directorate. The District Headquarters Hospitals have been directed to give the status of stock and store position of medicines along with details of quantity in all the health institutions up to sub-centers.
They have been advised to ensure an adequate supply of ORS packets and other Heat Stress related drugs to all the health institutions, sub-centers and ASHA workers.
It is worth mentioning, the Labour and ESI department, in a press release on Tuesday, said sunstroke related incidents cannot be ruled out due to heatwave from April this year. In view of this, RDC, Labour Commissioner and district collectors have been instructed to enforce restrictions on working hours to prevent the labourers from suffering sunstroke from April to June 15.
The department has told the officers to ensure that the labourers should not work in the open from 11 am to 3 pm during the period. If necessary, they have been directed to issue notification on working hours and strictly enforce it.
Besides, the department has directed to take preventive steps for the workers. The have been told to make provision of cold drinking water, resting shades, emergency health services and stock of ORS packets at the workplace.
The hospitals have also been directed to give details on the number of beds, air coolers/air-conditioner rooms, refrigerators and deep-freezers in working condition, and telephones.
The government has also advised all the hospitals to keep the control rooms functional round the clock from today till 15th July.
