Lucknow: In a proactive move, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has directed the health department to intensify efforts in combating heat-related illnesses across the state during the impending summer season.
Principal Secretary of the Health Department, Parth Sarthi Sen Sharma, has issued comprehensive guidelines to all District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officers, outlining a strategic roadmap for prevention and management initiatives.
These guidelines emphasize the importance of inter-departmental coordination and delineate specific activities to be undertaken by the Health Department. Additionally, they provide detailed instructions on necessary precautions and best practices to be adopted during periods of extreme heat waves.
The advisory comes in light of forecasts indicating above-normal temperatures across various parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, projections suggest elevated monthly minimum temperatures during this period, raising concerns about the potential impact of heatwaves, particularly in central and northwestern regions, from March to May 2024.
In response to these projections, the Health Department is gearing up for a concerted awareness campaign focused on heat-related diseases, prevention strategies, and effective management protocols. This initiative will involve collaborative efforts across departments to ensure comprehensive public outreach.
Moreover, practical measures such as provision of cool and potable drinking water in densely populated areas, along with the establishment of shelters for heat protection, are being organized to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures and safeguard public health.