Heat wave: Central team to be deployed in UP, Bihar, says Mansukh Mandaviya

A team of experts will be deployed in Uttar Pradesh Bihar to support the two states in public health response measures to address heatrelated illnesses directed Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on TuesdayThe team will comprise experts from the Union health ministry ICMR IMD and NDMAThe Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a highlevel meeting related to public health preparedness for heat wave management across IndiaThe Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar and Dr V K Paul Member Health NITI Aayog were also present at the meetingSeveral states have been experiencing severe heatwave conditions for the last few daysMandaviya also directed the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR to conduct research on how to minimise the effects of heat wave on health with specific short medium and longterm action plansMandaviya emphasised that the Centre has taken timely measures ahead of the summer season to address heatwaverelated illnessesThis year in March PM Modi chaired a meeting to review preparedness ahead of the summer season and the health ministry issued a heatwave advisory in February advising the states to review health facility preparedness in terms of essential medicines intravenous fluids packs ORS drinking water as well as dissemination of necessary IEC materialsduring the meeting Mandaviya was briefed on the status of heatwaves in various states and the preparedness of central agencies in terms of the availability of required supplies and hospital infrastructure to provide timely and effective healthcare servicesThe National Action Plan on HeatRelated Illnesses prepared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare MoHFW was released in July 2021 The action plan highlights the standard operating procedures SOP for surveillance of heatstroke cases and deaths with a preparedness plan before and during the summer season It also provides a special emphasis on Heat Related Illnesses HRI in the elderly infants and children pregnant women outdoor and manual workers and other vulnerable sectionsSensitisation of masses is important but sensitisation and capacity building of medical officers health staff and grassroot level workers on heatrelated illnesses their early recognition and management is also important Mandaviya saidwith inputs from PTI