NMC readies two wards with 20 beds for sunstroke patients

Nashik: The health department of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) — keeping in mind the rising heat — has kept two special wards with a total of 20 beds ready at civic-run hospitals to treat patients suffering from sunstroke.The maximum temperature in Nashik city is hovering between 38.5°C and 39.5°C over the past five days. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature in Nashik city was recorded at 38.8°C.Though no heat-related cases have been reported so far, civic officials said the special wards have been kept on standby to handle emergencies. Accordingly, the NMC has readied 10 beds each at Zakir Hussain Hospital and New Bytco Hospital.An NMC official, while talking to TOI, said the health department remains fully prepared to provide immediate treatment to people suffering from sunstroke. "We have created special wards at two major civic hospitals to deal with possible sunstroke cases," an official said.Meanwhile, the health department of the civic body has issued a fresh advisory appealing to the residents to take precautionary measures against the soaring mercury, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight and using protective measures during peak afternoon hours.The advisory recommends drinking sufficient water frequently, even without feeling thirsty, wearing light-coloured and loose clothes, using umbrellas, goggles and caps, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, carrying drinking water while travelling and avoiding alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated beverages which can dehydrate the body.The civic body's preparedness comes amid growing concerns over heat-related illnesses, with health experts warning that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke."The health department's initiative is aimed at protecting public health during the ongoing summer spell and ensuring timely medical response if cases increase in the coming days," the civic official said.Meanwhile, Malegaon city in Nashik district recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2°C on Wednesday, while Jalgaon city registered 42.3°C.