Ranchi Hospitals Gear Up for Heatwave: Preparedness Measures for Surge in Illnesses

Ranchi: Govt hospitals in the city are stepping up preparedness to tackle a possible surge in heatwave-related illnesses, with health authorities putting systems in place.

At the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), medical superintendent Hirendra Birua said they are preparing in line with guidelines issued by the National Health Mission (NHM). “We are following the govt guidelines. Cases of dehydration and heat exhaustion are being reported. As of now, the patient footfall is not very high, but we are preparing as temperatures are soaring,” he said.

He cautioned that prolonged dehydration can lead to complications. “Long-term dehydration can affect the kidneys. We are stocking ORS and essential medicines. If cases increase, we will have to create a separate ward for heat-related patients,” Birua added.

Ranchi civil surgeon Prabhat Kumar said arrangements have also been made at Sadar hospital to handle acute cases. “An isolation ward will be earmarked in the coming days to manage serious heatstroke cases. We are ensuring adequate stocks of ORS, IV fluids and essential medicines. Medical teams have also been sensitised to respond promptly and effectively to heat-related emergencies,” he said.

The NHM has directed all districts to strengthen heatwave preparedness by setting up dedicated heatstroke management units with adequate cooling arrangements and ensuring uninterrupted availability of ORS, intravenous (IV) fluids and essential medicines.

“All patients coming to the outpatient departments must necessarily be checked for heatstroke-related illnesses. Also, intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS), essential medicines and equipment must be available in district hospitals and community health centres across the state. Water coolers and fans must also be installed in the OPDs for patients,” NHM director Shashi Prakash Jha said.

NHM has also activated a state-level heatwave helpline to assist citizens and coordinate emergency response. Residents can seek guidance or report heat-related emergencies by calling the toll-free number 104.