In the wake of the Election Commission (EC) establishing a specialized task force to scrutinize the repercussions of the scorching heat wave amid the ongoing Lok Sabha election, the health secretary Apurva Chandra convened a comprehensive review session on the prevailing heat wave conditions alongside other high -ranking officials from the ministry.
During this assembly, Chandra also conducted a thorough assessment of the current state of hospitals nationwide. “The concerned authorities have been directed to take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of hospital beds for any urgent contingencies,” revealed a senior official who was present at the session, speaking.
In recent times, hospitals in various states have been inundated with a surge of complaints pertaining to the heat wave.
According to the official, Chandra instructed the attendees of the meeting to accord special emphasis to the states impacted by the heat wave.
“The health ministry remains in constant communication with the India Meteorological Department to stay abreast of the current heat wave scenario,” the official disclosed.
It is pertinent to note that the health ministry has recently disseminated a public health advisory regarding the heat wave, urging citizens to adhere to certain guidelines in order to shield themselves from its effects. The advisory advocates for maintaining hydration, remaining vigilant, staying indoors, and remaining indoors.
With regards to vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and those with physical ailments, the ministry has also stressed the importance of giving particular attention to this demographic.
Implications of Heat Waves
Heat waves have deleterious effects on both human and animal life. Disturbances in mental acuity, marked by disorientation, confusion, agitation, irritability, ataxia, seizures, or even comas, are among the severe symptoms exhibited by those affected by heat waves. Other ramifications include flushed, hot, and dry skin, throbbing headaches, anxiety, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, muscle weakness or spasms, as well as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing.
Insights from Health Experts
Dr. Monica Mahajan, the director of internal medicine at Delhi’s Max hospital, highlighted that fatigue and muscle cramps are fundamental symptoms of heat waves. Individuals easily succumb to exhaustion, experiencing muscle cramps, pain, weakness, and lethargy. She noted that heat waves can lead to strokes, which are among the most severe consequences.
“We are currently receiving reports from individuals complaining of fatigue, muscle pain, and gastroenteritis as a result of heat exposure. Dehydration-related cases are also on the rise,” Dr. Monica said.
She emphasized the importance of increased hydration, recommending the intake of fresh lemon, water, and juices for protection against heat waves. “It is crucial for people to consume freshly prepared food. Avoid consuming food that may not be hygienically prepared, and refrain from consuming raw salads when dining out,” added Dr. Monica.
Understanding Heat Waves and their Criteria
Qualitatively, a heat wave refers to a condition where the air temperature poses a significant risk to the human body upon exposure. Quantitatively, it is defined based on temperature thresholds across a region, either in terms of actual temperature or deviation from normal. A heat wave is deemed to occur when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or higher for plains and 30°C or higher for hilly regions.
Duration of Heat Waves and Impacted Regions
Heat waves primarily occur from March to June, and occasionally extend into July. The peak month for heat waves in India is typically May. They are most prevalent over the plains of northwest India, Central, East, and northern Peninsular India during March to June. These areas include Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. On rare occasions, heat waves also affect Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, temperatures exceeding 45°C are predominantly observed in Rajasthan and the Vidarbha region during May.