Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 25: With temperatures rising across the state, the Karnataka government has issued a directive to all hospitals to set up dedicated 'heat stroke wards' as a precautionary measure.

In a circular issued by the commissionerate of health and family welfare services, specific mandates have been set for various healthcare levels. Community health centres are required to reserve two beds, taluk hospitals five beds, and district hospitals ten beds specifically for heat stroke patients.

Under the National Action Plan for Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI), the circular specifies that these facilities must be implemented annually from March 1 to July 31, starting from the current year 2026.

All doctors and paramedical staff have been instructed to undergo training in the management of heat-related illnesses. Healthcare institutions have also been directed to establish ORS corners and equip heat stroke management rooms with essential facilities such as fans, ice cubes, and thermometers.

The department has further mandated that all health facilities must submit daily reports on HRI cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).

According to the health department, these measures aim to prevent complications and fatalities associated with heat stroke amidst the prevailing extreme weather conditions.