Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 30: While intense summer heat continues to scorch the coastal region, rising humidity levels have also left people distressed and caused health-related issues. As a precautionary measure, the health department has begun emergency preparedness steps.
In Dakshina Kannada (DK) district, the weather department has issued orange and yellow alerts regarding the heat. In view of public health concerns, the health department has earmarked special beds in the district hospital, taluk hospitals, and community health centres. Five beds each have been reserved in taluk hospitals and two beds each in community health centres for heat-related cases.
Heat-related skin problems have started increasing in the district. The number of people visiting primary health centres due to excessive sweating and related discomfort has risen. Symptoms such as itching, rashes and scabies-like irritation caused by the heat are being increasingly reported. Health department officials said three to five patients with such symptoms are seeking treatment daily.
District Health Officer Dr H R Thimmayya said, “Along with rising temperatures in Dakshina Kannada, humidity levels have also increased. Health issues may begin once temperatures cross 40 degrees Celsius in the district. The weather department has issued a red alert in some districts including Yadgir. At present, Dakshina Kannada is under orange and yellow alert. The department has made all necessary preparations.”
The health department has directed that details of anyone treated for heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, must be recorded immediately. Accordingly, if any patient approaches a private hospital for such treatment, the details must be uploaded to the health department web portal. Similar procedures have been made mandatory in government hospitals as well.
From primary health centres to the district hospital, ORS packet corners have been set up as these are widely used during summer. Usage of ORS packets has increased over the past week. Officials said the department has also permitted local procurement to ensure there is no shortage of medicines.
As heat intensity increased in the coastal region, the health department held a special meeting two days ago. Key officials of the department, including taluk-level officers, participated in the meeting.
Instructions were issued to immediately report any heat-related health cases and to refer patients showing signs of heat stroke to the district hospital without delay.
Officials of the health department said no heat stroke cases have been recorded in the district so far.