Punjab health department issues advisory ahead of heatwave

CHANDIGARH: In light of the projected heatwave across Punjab, the health department issued a detailed advisory outlining precautionary measures to protect the public from extreme heat.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave is declared in plains when the maximum temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or more, or when there is a departure from normal temperatures by 4.5 degrees Celsius to 6.4 degrees Celsius. Such high temperatures can disrupt the body's natural temperature regulation system, potentially leading to serious heat-related illnesses.
Dr Hitinder Kaur, director health, urged residents to strictly follow the advisory. “All civil surgeons have been instructed to ensure that health facilities are fully equipped to handle patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. Beds were reserved from district hospitals to community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs), with round-the-clock services available,” she said.
She further added that refresher training and sensitisation of medical officers and specialists were completed to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Paramedical staff, including ASHA workers, are also being trained to spread awareness and ensure advisories reach the last mile in the community.
Dr Kaur advised citizens to stay informed through local TV, radio, newspapers, and the official website of the IMD: . “People should plan their daily activities based on the weather forecast during extreme heat conditions,” she said.
She emphasised that vulnerable groups such as newborns, children, pregnant women, the elderly, outdoor workers, people with obesity, mental illness, heart disease, or weakened immunity must take extra precautions.