Heat wave preparedness: Govt hospitals reserve beds for sunstroke patients

bengaluru: In response to the scorching heat, the state government has taken proactive measures to address potential health risks, particularly sunstroke. All government hospitals across the state have been ordered to be equipped to handle such emergencies, ensuring prompt medical attention for those affected.

Dr. Randeep, Commissioner of the Health Department, said that 5 beds in every government hospital and 2 beds in taluk hospitals statewide have been reserved for patients with heat-related health issues. Additionally, medical officers are undergoing specialized training to effectively manage such cases.

Each hospital in Bengaluru has allocated 5 separate beds to treat heat stroke patients, while in Mysuru, 2 beds have been reserved in every taluk hospital.

District Health Officer Dr P C Kumaraswamy told Udyavani that ICU centers, which were initially established during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been re-equipped to handle heat-related emergencies. District hospitals are also stocking up on urgently needed medicines, including large quantities of ORS solution.

In regions of North Karnataka and Kalyan Karnataka, where the sun rays are particularly intense, similar measures have been implemented. In Vijayapura district, for instance, 10 beds have been designated in the Government District Hospital, along with 5 beds each in taluk hospitals and 2 beds each in Primary Health Centres.

This is the first time in Kalaburagi that hospital beds have been specifically earmarked for heat-related treatment, indicating the severity of the current situation. Similar provisions are made in Gadag and Belagavi also.