Heatwave Alert: Centre Orders Dedicated Heatstroke Management Units Across Hospitals

The Centre has directed all States and Union Territories to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units in all health facilities and strengthen emergency preparedness, as India braces for an above-normal heatwave season during the upcoming summer months.

In a communication dated April 23, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava urged chief secretaries to ensure timely early warning dissemination , robust ambulance preparedness, and real-time reporting of heatstroke cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The advisory comes in light of the seasonal forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department.

According to the IMD outlook, above-normal heatwave days are expected between April and June 2026 across parts of East, Central and North-West India , along with regions in the South-East Peninsula . Coastal belts of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh are likely to be particularly affected, while isolated areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka may also experience intense heat conditions. The Centre has emphasised the need for coordinated preparedness across health systems , including activation of heatstroke units at all hospitals, ensuring adequate ambulance services, and strengthening emergency response mechanisms. States have also been asked to maintain continuous monitoring and reporting of heat-related illnesses.

Authorities have been advised to adopt multiple preventive measures to reduce heat-related risks. These include setting up cooling centres and shaded shelters , ensuring availability of safe drinking water , and expanding access to oral rehydration solutions and essential medicines at public health facilities. Public awareness campaigns have also been recommended to educate citizens on hydration practices, avoiding outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, and recognising early symptoms of heatstroke.

In addition, states have been urged to consider adjusting working hours for outdoor labourers , especially during peak heat periods, and to prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and people with pre-existing illnesses. The Health Ministry has stressed that proactive planning and swift implementation of these measures will be crucial in reducing heat-related morbidity and preventing avoidable deaths during the upcoming summer season.