Hospitals to set up heatstroke units

Bhopal: With maximum temperatures crossing 43 degrees Celsius, the health department has directed hospitals to set up dedicated heatstroke units and ensure the availability of oral rehydration solutions and cooling facilities.Chief medical and health officer (CMHO) Bhopal, Dr Manish Sharma, has issued a public advisory warning residents against the rising threat of heatstroke as central Madhya Pradesh reels under a severe heatwave.The advisory urges citizens to avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours between noon and 3 pm, drink plenty of water, and wear light cotton clothing. Sharma emphasized that timely precautions and awareness can prevent fatalities, urging residents to stay indoors during the hottest hours and report symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or fainting to health centres. Heatwave Slows MP OPD Visits by 18% in AprilRoutine outpatient visits across Madhya Pradesh dropped sharply in April as the state battled an intense heatwave. Govt data shows OPD attendance fell by 18 percent compared to the previous month, with patients avoiding travel during peak hours of extreme heat.