Chandigarh, May 23 (IANS). In view of the increasingly difficult conditions due to the extreme heat in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh said that proactive steps have been taken by the Health Department to provide facilities and train staff for effective management to prevent, mitigate the effects of extreme heat. The Minister said that due to extreme heat, the risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases significantly and heart and respiratory problems also increase.
Dr Balbir Singh said that to ensure the safety of our citizens, all civil surgeons have been directed to operationalize dedicated heat stroke management units in all district hospitals, sub-division hospitals and community health centres.
He said these wards are equipped with active cooling measures, including ice packs and cold IV fluids. Adequate stock of essential medical supplies, such as ORS and emergency medicines, has been ensured in each hospital.
The minister said that necessary facilities have also been provided in ambulances to provide cooling facilities to the patients while bringing them to the hospital. The IHIP portal is being used by the State for real-time monitoring of heat related illnesses (HRI) cases and meetings are being held by the District Task Force with the Department of Education, Labor and Transport regarding Heat Action Plan.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that our medical teams are fully trained and prepared, yet I appeal to the people, especially the elderly and children, to remain alert and follow the safety guidelines issued by the department.
He told that to avoid heat, drink as much water as possible, drink water every 20-30 minutes, even if you do not feel thirsty. Consume ORS, Lassi and lemonade. Wear light colored loose cotton clothes. Use an umbrella, hat or towel to cover your head. Plan your day properly, do outdoor work in the cool morning or evening. Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon, orange and cucumber. Eat small amounts of food frequently. Keep the house cool from inside, use curtains and fans and ensure proper ventilation.
Referring to the safety of workers, he said that employers should provide shady resting places and safe drinking water to workers working outside.
He told that during summer, avoid the strong afternoon sun, do not go out between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, unless it is very necessary. Avoid dehydrating beverages, reduce consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol and carbonated sweet drinks. Avoid heavy food, fried, spicy or stale food, as this can slow down the digestion process. Avoid doing heavy work during the hottest times of the day.
The Health Minister further said that children or pets should never be left alone in a parked vehicle. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
He told that if you find some symptoms within yourself, then immediately contact the doctor, such as if the body temperature is 40 degrees Celsius or more. mental status changes, restlessness or seizures, hot, red and dry skin, severe headache, nausea or rapid heartbeat.
–IANS
DKM/DKP
