New Delhi, May 22 (IANS). Amidst the increasing scorching heat and heatwave in many parts of the country, Delhi’s Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital has started the country’s first ‘immersion cooling’ facility for the treatment of heatstroke. This is such a modern technology, in which the temperature of the patient is reduced rapidly by cooling the patient’s body under water.
This special ‘Heat Wave Centre’ of the hospital is being operated from the year 2024 and now other hospitals of the country are also preparing to adopt this model. According to hospital officials, the facility has been developed under the supervision of the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health under the Union Health Ministry, which functions under the National Center for Disease Control.
Speaking to IANS, Dr. Ajay Chauhan said that cases of heatstroke are increasing due to climate change. Keeping this in view, special cooling guidelines were prepared for patients affected by severe heat.
He said, “Immersion cooling is considered to be the most effective method across the world, but no such facility existed in India earlier. So we deliberated and started it for the first time in RML Hospital.”
The Heat Wave Center has been provided with state-of-the-art facilities like ice tubs, bath tubs, cooling systems, fans and air conditioning for the treatment of patients. This center operates 24 hours, so that immediate treatment can be provided in case of emergency.
According to Dr. Chauhan, two patients suffering from serious heat related problems have been successfully treated and discharged after recovery.
He said that this immersion cooling model of RML Hospital is now being adopted by other institutions also, because the heat wave is increasing every year in the country.
Dr. Chauhan also appealed to the people to take special precautions during the heatwave. He advised not to leave the house in the afternoon unless absolutely necessary and do not let the body become dehydrated.
While advising to consume beverages like lassi, buttermilk and wood apple juice, he said that it is very important to take special care of the elderly and children in this season.
–IANS
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