The purpose of heat-related disease surveillance is to assess the burden of disease and mortality due to heat, plan responses to adapt and mitigate the effects of heat, and assess the impact of climate action and climate change.
With 50 cases of heat stroke reported in Pune circles in the past 12 months, with temperatures currently hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, citizen health authorities have reminded the city’s medical facilities to monitor and report every such case.
Pune Circle Deputy Director (Health) Dr Radhakrishna Pawar said 48 cases of heatstroke were reported in the municipal corporation district of Solapur. So far, there have been no new confirmed deaths from heatstroke, he said.
From March 1 to July 31, hospitals must fill out forms for heat-related illness cases on the federal Department of Health’s National Climate Change and Human Health Program’s integrated health information platform, officials said.
The purpose of heat-related disease surveillance is to assess the burden of disease and mortality due to heat, plan responses to adapt and mitigate the effects of heat, and assess the impact of climate action and climate change.
On April 5, Citizens Health wrote to medical staff at pharmacies, government hospitals and private institutions, reiterating the importance of notifying these cases. Deokar said thatv some hospitals has not opened the account in this portal.
Meanwhile, as part of the government’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign, health authorities have issued guidelines encouraging citizens to stay hydrated and wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing during the summer months.
Advice issued by the Maharashtra State Health Department on clinical manifestations and treatment modalities of heat-related diseases has also been issued. Deokar said that in addition to adequate stock of medicines, the municipal hospital has also arranged for cold rooms.
