Health dept intensifies statewide heatwave readiness audit

Jaipur: Amid rising temperatures, the health department has launched special statewide measures to strengthen hospital preparedness and ensure uninterrupted treatment during heatwave conditions. Health teams checked shade and drinking water arrangements in OPDs, along with availability of coolers, air-conditioners, ice boxes and ice packs.Officials reviewed availability of dedicated ambulance support for heatstroke patients at the district level. Hospitals were directed to reserve separate beds for heatstroke cases and maintain adequate stocks of ORS, IV fluids, paracetamol and other essential medicines.A health official said the priority is to ensure timely treatment and uninterrupted health services for every patient. Hospitals have been instructed to provide chilled drinking water for patients and attendants and ensure cooling facilities in waiting areas. Inspections further assessed staff training on heat-related illnesses, with special focus on care arrangements for pregnant women, infants and elderly persons. They reviewed fire safety compliance, including NOCs, fire audits, extinguisher inspections and mock drills.The audit additionally covered ICU availability, sanitation, free medicine and diagnostic schemes, medicine stocks, laboratory services and hospital equipment. Preparedness for dengue and malaria was examined, including surveillance, isolation wards, blood bank readiness and anti-larva measures.Based on inspection findings, districts have been instructed to immediately address gaps. A continuous monitoring and feedback system has been put in place to keep health services responsive during the heatwave and upcoming seasonal disease challenges.