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The Union Health Ministry, chaired by Dr. Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services, held a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories to review their preparedness for heatwave conditions and ensure fire and electrical safety in healthcare facilities across the country.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a long-range forecast on May 27, predicting above-normal maximum temperatures for most of India in June 2024. However, parts of the southern peninsular region are expected to experience normal to below-normal temperatures. Most areas of Northwest India and adjoining parts of Central India are likely to see an increase in heatwave days during this period.

In response to these forecasts, the Union Health Ministry has sent directives to state health departments. These include advisories and guidelines on strengthening health systems to manage heat-related illnesses, public health advisories with preventive measures, emergency cooling guidelines for severe heat-related conditions, and protocols for autopsy findings in heat-related deaths.

These documents have been distributed to all AIIMS and medical colleges nationwide. Additionally, communications from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) emphasise the importance of fire safety measures in health facilities and provide a checklist for assessing the preparedness of health facilities and ambulances.

On March 23, 2024, states and UTs were requested to take proactive measures to prevent incidents caused by extreme heat. High-level officials in all states and UTs are closely monitoring the situation. Various states have already implemented several measures:

• Madhya Pradesh: Conducted mock drills on fire safety in government and private hospitals. Urban Administration and Engineering departments coordinated fire safety drills, and a Code Red Protocol was issued.

• Odisha: Established Heat Wave Control rooms across the state.

• Uttar Pradesh: Launched the DASTAK (Door-to-door) campaign to raise public awareness. Fire Safety Officers have been designated in almost all health facilities.

• Haryana: Allocated dedicated financial resources to ensure the availability of essential drugs and logistics at all healthcare facilities.

• Rajasthan: Equipped ambulances linked to emergency numbers 104 and 108 with cooling appliances.

• West Bengal: Ensured fire safety certificates through fire departments and conducted mock drills.

• Bihar: Coordinating with the State Disaster Management Authority to prevent fire incidents in healthcare facilities.

• Delhi: Issued directives and SOPs for firefighting systems to all government and private hospitals. Mandated fire evacuation plans and firefighting systems in facilities lacking a fire NOC.

These measures reflect the collective effort of state and central authorities to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and ensure safety in healthcare facilities.

The Union Health Ministry continues to emphasise the importance of preparedness and coordination to protect public health during extreme weather conditions.