Latest news with #HeatHealthActionPlans
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Griffith University grants Rs 1.2 crore to researcher from Andhra Pradesh to study climate change
1 2 3 Vijayawada: A young research scholar from Andhra Pradesh clinched a prestigious research project from Australia's Griffith University to take an in-depth study to handle the extreme heat in the state. The findings of the research led by NV Sarath Chandra will aim to contribute to improving public health policies and public healthcare systems (PHCs to tertiary hospitals) in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Griffith university granted a massive Rs 1.2 crore to take up the research in AP. This is considered to be the highest amount to be granted by any foreign university to take up a research project in AP. Sarath felt that the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, driven by human-induced climate change, are posing significant public health challenges globally. In India, extreme heat has emerged as a leading cause of premature mortality linked to natural disasters. " Heat Health Action Plans (HHAPs) are vital policy tools designed to enhance preparedness, strengthen response mechanisms, and mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat. Effective HHAPs require broad coverage and a multisectoral approach, engaging various sectors such as health, urban planning, and disaster management," said Sarath. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo For instance, the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, launched in 2013, has been credited with preventing an estimated 1,190 deaths annually. According to WHO framework, a successful HHAP should include eight core components essential for achieving meaningful health outcomes. "Andhra Pradesh public healthcare system needs to play a key role in addressing this problem and extreme heat impacts the socioeconomically vulnerable populations the most," he advocated. After an year of extensive literature review around this topic at the Griffith university, Sarath Chandra has convinced his team of supervisors Dr Shannon Rutherford, Dr Ed Morgan, and Dr Thanya Pathirana to carry out research focused on improving heat action policies and public healthcare systems in AP. "We have selected AP for research as temperatures in the state record as high as 45 degrees Celsius in summers. Extending summer durations stretching several months in a year. The conditions are extremely hot almost 6 months in a year. Heat related mortality is among the highest according to India's national records. Extreme heat does not just result in high number of sunstroke cases, but it is a leading factor for several chronic and sudden health ailments," observed Sarath Chandra. He said that the state also has highest levels of humidity due to its coastal influence making conditions more vulnerable.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
As summer scorcher burns up, CG gears up for heatwave
Raipur: As temperatures breach 43 degrees Celsius across several districts in Chhattisgarh, the state health department has gone into emergency mode to tackle a looming heatwave crisis. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further rise in temperatures—touching 44°C in places like Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur—the govt has issued clear directives and intensified preparations to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Raipur, Bilaspur and Rajnandgaon have been sizzling hot with maximum temperatures touching 42-44 degrees Celsius. The weather department warned that the next 48 hours will see further temperature spikes, followed by isolated thunderstorm activity in some districts during late evenings In Raipur, roads wore a deserted look by afternoon as blistering heat and heavy traffic zones emptied out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Speaking to TOI, Dr Smriti Dewangan, deputy director for the national programme on climate change and human health (NPCCHH) and disaster management, emphasized urgent medical response for heatstroke. "Emergency cooling mechanisms like dark cooling rooms, tub baths, ice-making machines, and cold water units are now operational in Raipur's district hospital and will be rolled out across all districts shortly. Once the body temperature hits 104°F, it stops its natural cooling. Immediate intervention is essential," Dr Smriti said. Dr. Smriti also noted, "Heatstroke is now a notifiable condition, requiring hospitals to conduct audits and postmortem reviews in suspected cases of heat-related deaths. We've instructed all health facilities to maintain readiness. This is not just seasonal anymore—heat-related illness is officially recognized under the climate-health linkage. Daily reporting dashboards have been active for the past few years." The state has adopted the "cool first, transport later" strategy, as per NPCCHH guidelines. This means on-site emergency cooling of patients before transferring them to hospitals—a critical step to prevent fatalities. As per guidelines, the district-level and city-level Heat Health Action Plans (HHAPs) are now in motion, with task force meetings underway to coordinate surveillance data, ambulance preparedness, and health worker deployment. With April heating up and May expected to be harsher, the state health machinery is racing against the clock to ensure zero fatalities from the heatstroke.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Scorching Summer Grips Chhattisgarh: State Gears Up for Heatwave Emergency with Cooling Measures
RAIPUR: As temperatures breach 43 degrees Celsius across several districts in Chhattisgarh, the state health department has gone into emergency mode to tackle a looming heatwave crisis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further rise in temperatures—touching 44°C in places like Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur—the government has issued clear directives and intensified preparations to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. On Monday, Raipur remained hottest with maximum temperatures recorded at 43.7 degrees Celsius. Weathermen said that there's possibility of further rise in maximum temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius in next 48 hours and the temperatures in central parts of state is likely to remain in the range of 42-44 degrees Celsius for next five days. Issuing a warning, the weather department said that there was chance of heat wave at isolated places over north Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. Speaking to TOI, Dr Smriti Dewangan, Deputy Director for the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) and Disaster Management, emphasized urgent medical response for heatstroke. 'Emergency cooling mechanisms like dark cooling rooms, tub baths, ice-making machines, and cold water units are now operational in Raipur's district hospital and will be rolled out across all districts shortly. Once the body temperature hits 104°F, it stops its natural cooling. Immediate intervention is essential," Dr Smriti said. She added that Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-Centres are equipped with oral rehydration solution (ORS) stations. For areas lacking infrastructure, tarpaulin sheets are being deployed to create temporary shade and relief shelters. Dr. Smriti also noted, 'Heatstroke is now a notifiable condition, requiring hospitals to conduct audits and postmortem reviews in suspected cases of heat-related deaths. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We've instructed all health facilities to maintain readiness. This is not just seasonal anymore—heat-related illness is officially recognized under the climate-health linkage. Daily reporting dashboards have been active for the past few years.' The state has adopted the 'cool first, transport later' strategy, as per NPCCHH guidelines. This means on-site emergency cooling of patients before transferring them to hospitals—a critical step to prevent fatalities. According to the guidelines, the district-level and city-level Heat Health Action Plans (HHAPs) are now in motion, with task force meetings underway to coordinate surveillance data, ambulance preparedness, and health worker deployment. The IHIP portal is receiving daily data from March 1 onwards, covering every case from minor heat rashes to fatal heatstroke. Cooling appliances and water kiosks are being installed at hospitals and provisions made for adequate drinking water and ventilation in waiting areas. The government is also training community health workers in first aid and heatstroke detection, especially in remote areas. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated the implementation of the national action plan on heat-related illnesses, emphasizing emergency cooling protocols , surveillance, and fire safety in hospitals. Raipur, Bilaspur and Rajnandgaon have been sizzling hot with maximum temperatures touching 42-44 degrees Celsius. The weather department warned that the next 48 hours will see further temperature spikes, followed by isolated thunderstorm activity in some districts during late evenings. In Raipur, roads wore a deserted look by afternoon as blistering heat and heavy traffic zones emptied out. Health officials are urging vulnerable groups—the elderly, children, outdoor workers—to stay indoors between 12 PM and 4 PM. IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns are underway to spread awareness on hydration, protective clothing, and early signs of heat stress. With April heating up and May expected to be harsher, Chhattisgarh's health machinery is racing against the clock to ensure zero fatalities from heatstroke . 'We're preparing every level of the healthcare system,' said the doctors. 'Where there are gaps, we are bridging them fast. The directives are clear—we can't afford to let the heat win.' State health facilities are instructed to: Maintain adequate stocks of ORS, IV fluids, essential medicines, and ice packs Establish cooling units in secondary and tertiary hospitals Prepare ambulances with ice boxes and cold water for rapid field response Conduct fire safety audits as rising heat increases risk of electrical fires Public Advisory: Stay hydrated. Avoid going out between 12–4 PM. Wear loose, light-colored clothing. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat. In emergencies, call 108 or reach your nearest health center.
