The district administration has appealed to exercise caution in view of severe heat and heatwave.

Patna (ABN): The entire Bihar is currently in the grip of severe heat. The capital Patna is particularly facing a severe heat wave, making it difficult for citizens to survive. The temperature in Patna has been above 40 degrees Celsius for the past three to four days. The Patna district administration is on high alert in light of the severe heat and heat wave.

On Thursday, Patna's District Magistrate Dr. Thyagarajan SM issued instructions regarding the measures to be taken for the protection of people's (especially children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers) health during the heat wave under the Heat Wave Action Plan. He directed 15 departments to be vigilant and active in implementing these measures. The Civil Surgeon has also been directed regarding the measures to be taken by the Health Department.

The District Magistrate said that due to the usual low humidity in the air during summer, there is a high possibility of heat wave and heat stroke. Children, pregnant and lactating mothers, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions may be at risk. The District Magistrate said that special attention is needed. Common symptoms of heat stroke/heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, muscle cramps, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, or both, excessive thirst, high fever, and sometimes unconsciousness. Lives can be saved through awareness, public awareness, and precautionary measures.

The District Magistrate said that necessary action has been taken at the following three levels. The District Magistrate directed the Civil Surgeon to make all health workers aware of the symptoms of heat stroke/heat exhaustion, its adverse effects, and first aid. He also directed that the affected person be identified with symptoms that require immediate specialized medical attention, ensuring that the affected person can be admitted to the nearest Primary Health Center or other health center without any delay.

All government hospitals/health centers/medical colleges and hospitals will ensure that separate data is collected for individuals/patients affected by heat waves/heat who come for treatment (during the entire heat wave period). All medical colleges and hospitals/district hospitals/primary health centers/community health centers/additional primary health centers/sub-divisional hospitals should ensure that life-saving medicines are available in sufficient and adequate quantities in case of heat stroke.

For any information or guidance, contact the District Disaster Management Cell, under the Health Department, and the State Health Committee, at the State Control Room, Sheikhpura, Patna, by phone number 104, and by sending an email to the ID ssobihar@gmail.com. The District Magistrate directed the Civil Surgeon to ensure that the above actions are taken on a priority basis.