Health dept sets up cold rooms, heatwave wards at Prayagraj govt hosps

Prayagraj: As the mercury continues to soar, govt hospitals, including community and primary health centres, apart from setting up cold rooms and reserved beds to treat patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, have taken an extensive awareness campaign among masses about dos and don'ts this summer season. Moreover, medical units have also set up ORS counters and ensured the availability of ice packs.

A senior health official said, "In view of rising temperatures and heatwave conditions, special arrangements have been made at all govt hospitals." He added, "The process of setting up cold rooms is underway at all community health centres after reserving beds for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses."

Moreover, heatwave wards are also being set up at Beli, Colvin, and SRN hospitals, along with the facility of 24/7 power arrangements.

Dr Anupam Dwivedi, medical officer in-charge of Soraon Community Health Centre, told TOI, "The electric audit of hospitals, including CHCs, is being conducted in view of the summer season, and the teams have checked all electric equipments, wiring, and other arrangements at hospitals." He, however, added, "Ground health workers have also taken up an awareness campaign among masses, briefing them on dos and don'ts in this summer season to beat the heat." Posters have also been installed at static locations in district to create awareness.

Health officials on Tuesday issued a set of advisories appealing to residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, with mercury rising every passing day.