Jharkhand Health Department advisory against heat-related illnesses

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, March 20: Amidst the scorching heat coupled with intermittent rains in Jharkhand, the Health Department has issued a comprehensive advisory to all districts to ensure protection against heat-related illnesses. Alok Trivedi, Campaign Director of National Health Mission, Jharkhand, has directed civil surgeons across districts to adhere to the instructions provided by the Central Government.

The advisory mandates timely identification and treatment of potential heat stroke patients, along with arrangements for dedicated beds in district hospitals. Rapid response teams are to be formed at both district and block levels to handle emergency calls efficiently. Dedicated heat stroke rooms, equipped with ice packs, cold water, coolers, ORS packets, and anti-diarrheal drugs, are to be established.

Additionally, outreach clinics are to be set up for vulnerable populations such as children under five years of age, pregnant women, and the elderly, with provisions for cold water, air, ORS, and seating arrangements in OPDs and indoor hospitals.

The Health Department will seek daily reports from hospitals across districts for continuous monitoring of Heat Related Illness (HRI) patients. Civil Surgeons are required to provide daily updated reports on the portal and NPCCHH cell email from March to July.

Patients with heat-related illnesses are to be referred from community health centers only after ensuring adequate treatment, with coordination between CHCs and district hospitals. Adequate staff, IV fluids, ORS, and necessary medicines and equipment must be arranged in Sadar and CHCs.

Emergency call rapid response teams are to be formed at both district and block levels, and an ORS corner is to be established in the first aid room. Standard treatment protocols are to be followed in case of emergencies, with arrangements for water coolers and air coolers in wards and OPDs.

Awareness campaigns are to be conducted by CHCs in surrounding areas, ensuring adequate arrangements for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, pregnant women, and seriously ill patients.