Chandigarh, May 24: The Punjab Health Department has deployed active heat action plans across all administrative divisions to manage the escalating risks of seasonal temperature spikes, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh affirmed Saturday.
The medical response focuses on securing an uninterrupted supply of Oral Rehydration Salts, emergency therapeutics, and cooling resources at every public health facility. According to the minister, extreme heat exposure acts as a severe threat to residents by aggravating underlying cardiovascular issues and respiratory conditions, making immediate treatment essential.
The containment strategy centers on establishing marked, temperature-controlled treatment rooms within local clinics to provide immediate stability to affected patients.
“Essential medical supplies, such as ORS and emergency drugs, are well-stocked at every public health facility,” Singh stated, adding that medical personnel have completed specialized training to handle critical heat injuries.
The state’s advisory details explicit preventive measures for the public, including consuming water-rich fruits, wearing loose cotton clothing, and setting up shaded work structures for manual laborers. The department cautioned against consuming dehydrating liquids like coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages, while warning families never to leave children or pets inside stationary vehicles during peak daylight hours.
Singh noted that unified coordination with municipal bodies remains a priority to minimize the seasonal threat.
“The health department has already taken proactive steps to prepare facilities and the workforce to prevent, mitigate, and manage the impacts of extreme heat,” the minister declared.
