Apr 12,2024
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a meeting on Thursday to assess the nation’s readiness for potential heatwave conditions in the upcoming summer months. The meeting focused on coordinated efforts among central, state, and district-level government bodies.
During the meeting, attendees discussed the forecast of above-normal maximum temperatures across most regions of the country from April to June, particularly focusing on central western peninsular India.
The discussion encompassed various aspects of preparedness in the health sector, including the availability of essential medical supplies such as medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and drinking water.
Additionally, there was an emphasis on the timely dissemination of essential information, education, and communication (IEC) materials in regional languages through television, radio and social media platforms.
Given the anticipation of a hotter-than-normal summer in 2024, coinciding with the general elections, it was proposed to translate advisories issued by the health ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) into regional languages for wider dissemination.
PM Modi underscored the importance of a comprehensive government approach, urging all levels of government and ministries to collaborate effectively. He highlighted the necessity for raising awareness and ensuring preparedness in hospitals, with specific attention to early detection and containment of forest fires.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including the principal secretary to the prime minister, the home secretary, representatives from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the National Disaster Management Authority.
As India braces for extreme heat during the April to June period, with central and western peninsular regions expected to be most affected, preparations are underway amidst the backdrop of the forthcoming seven-phase general elections commencing on April 19.
Source: Healthworld