Amid weather department forecasts, the Medical and Health Department has issued an alert regarding heatstroke. Dr. Ravi Prakash, Director of the Directorate of Medical and Health, has released guidelines for all districts. 

MB Hospital Healthcare Service 

Under the new arrangements, 5 beds have been reserved for heat stroke patients at Udaipur’s MB Hospital. Similarly, sub-divisional level hospitals and Community Health Centers have reserved 3 beds each, and Primary Health Centers have reserved 2 beds each.

Control Room Operational 24 Hours 

There is currently no clear information regarding the number of heatstroke patients. All staffs in hospitals have been instructed to keep their office control rooms operational 24 hours a day, throughout the week.

Emergency Toll Free Numbers

In case of emergency, citizens are advised to report patients on toll-free numbers 104, 108, and 1070. As a precaution, patients and their families are urged to take care against heat-related illnesses. The department has instructed to keep air conditioners and coolers running in the wards, and ensure the availability of ice packs and ice cubes in medical institutions.

It has been made mandatory to keep separate medical kits for workers at MGNREGA sites. Instructions have also been given to ensure the availability of electricity and water in medical institutions.  

Difference Between Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Many people experience heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke if not treated.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens after being in high temperatures for a long time. Symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst
• Weakness
• Headache
• Fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps
•  Dizziness
• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Heavy sweating
• Fast heartbeat

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe condition where the body temperature rises quickly. It can cause permanent disability or death without emergency treatment. Symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Dry skin
• No sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache

Precautions from Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

• Wear loose and Light Clothes.
• Cover head when in Sun.
• Stay indoors in high temperatures.
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Apply a good sunscreen. 
• Avoid Alcohol.

Along with reserving beds in hospitals, the availability of medicines has been ensured everywhere. OPD staff are advising incoming patients to take precautions against the heat. People are also being advised to wear fully covered cotton clothes when going outside, consume seasonal fruits like watermelon and muskmelon more frequently, and avoid working at construction sites between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. 

Until further notice, the leaves of all doctors, nursing, paramedical, and supporting staff have been cancelled. However, urgent leave can be taken with appropriate approval.