Mumbai hospitals & medical colleges prepare to tackle heat-stroke patients; guidelines released

As Maharashtra braces for the intense summer season, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking strategic measures to tackle the extreme heat wave in Mumbai. Further, IMD on April 5 issued a Yellow Alert for severe heatwave conditions in Maharashtra as temperatures soared to 40-42°C in Marathwada and Vidarbha on April 4. IMD reported that these temperatures are 3-4°C above normal.

Measures taken by BMC in Mumbai: 

• Heat-stroke medicines will be available at 103 BMC Hindu Hridaysmrat Balasaheb Thackeray ‘Aapla Davakhana’ (public dispensaries) along with air conditioners.

• 14 major hospitals, general hospitals and medical colleges will be equipped with two beds each, in air-conditioned rooms, to treat heat-stroke patients.

• The civic body has already released guidelines for the control and prevention of heat stroke. The guidelines urge people to stay hydrated and avoid going out in the afternoon. The list further mentions that anyone experiencing a heat stroke should be taken to the hospital right away.

“April and May are comparatively hotter and therefore, people are prone to heat stroke. The civic body is focusing on creating awareness about the precautions to be taken to avoid heat stroke,” said BMC Senior Official.

Gujarat, Central Maharashtra, North Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, North Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience the worst impact of heat waves, stated IMD Director General.