Chandigarh, May 24: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Saturday directed all civil surgeons to maintain total operational readiness to counter the rising threat of extreme heatwaves across the state.
Addressing the public health challenge from Chandigarh, Singh stated that the medical department has finalized field protocols to treat and manage heat-related illnesses, which pose severe risks of heat exhaustion and strokes. Under the newly implemented guidelines, public healthcare networks—including district-level hospitals, sub-divisional centers, and community health units—have established designated Heat Stroke Management Wards to handle emergency admissions.
The minister noted that these specialized wings have been equipped with rapid-cooling technologies, dedicated ice packs, and chilled intravenous fluid setups.
“To ensure the safety of our citizens, all Civil Surgeons have been directed to operationalize dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units across all District Hospitals, Sub-Division Hospitals, and Community Health Centres,” Singh stated.
The emergency plan integrates real-time digital surveillance, utilizing the Integrated Health Information Platform portal to monitor cases of heat stress as they arrive. Singh maintained that emergency transit vehicles have been fitted with cooling systems to treat patients during transport. The administration has also organized multi-department task forces involving the education, transport, and labor divisions to shield outdoor laborers and students from peak temperature windows.
Medical administrators issued a formal advisory urging residents to consume fluids every 20 minutes, minimize outdoor exposure between noon and 3 p.m., and seek immediate institutional care via the 104 helpline if symptoms like high body temperature or confusion develop.
“While our medical teams are well-trained and ready, I urge the public, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, to remain vigilant,” Singh added.
