Gurgaon: With temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius across Haryana and a heatwave alert in place, the state health department has directed hospitals and health centres to prepare for a rise in heat-related illnesses. Facilities have been asked to set up dedicated heatstroke wards and ORS booths, while residents have been advised to ensure proper ventilation at home, especially in the absence of cooling systems such as air conditioners or coolers.Officials said surveillance of heat-related illnesses and deaths will be conducted daily under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). Data will be uploaded to an integrated health information portal, with weekly reports submitted every Monday. Officials said this real-time monitoring will allow rapid interventions and accountability.“All health centres have been asked to ensure adequate logistics and stock of ORS, intravenous fluids and essential medicines,” said Gurgaon’s chief medical officer, Lokveer Singh. Community and primary health centres have also been directed to keep ice and cold water available and earmark beds in well-ventilated areas. Cooling equipment, such as air conditioners and coolers, will be deployed in such facilities where available.At Sector 10 Civil Hospital, a three-bed heatstroke ward has been set up. “Medical officers and paramedical staff have been sensitised, and mobile health units are being trained for rapid response,” said deputy medical officer of the hospital, Dr Manish Rathee.A mobile alert system involving ASHA and ANM workers has also been activated to report suspected heatstroke cases in real time. Control rooms are being strengthened to provide prompt assistance to the public, doctors said.The state disaster management department has instructed all district authorities to spread awareness about heat-related illnesses, identify high-risk populations and establish cooling centres. Temporary shelters and water kiosks are also being set up, while alerts will be disseminated through media platforms.Doctors said there has been a noticeable rise in heat-related cases. “Hospitals in Delhi-NCR and nearby areas have seen over a 20% rise in such cases in the past week, with patients reporting dehydration, exhaustion, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and other symptoms of heat stress,” said Dr Shivanshu Raj Goyal of Max Hospital, Gurgaon. He advised people to avoid going outdoors during the hottest time of the day, usually between 11am and 4pm and to wear light cotton clothing, use protective gear such as hats, umbrellas and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
