Haryana Issues Health Advisory Amid Rising Temperatures, Districts Put on High Alert

Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government has issued a detailed public health advisory in view of rising temperatures and the possibility of severe heatwave conditions, with authorities placing all districts on high alert and directing strict implementation of the Heat-Health Action Plan.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Sumita Misra said the advisory aims to protect people from heat-related illnesses and ensure preparedness at all levels. She said the government’s focus is on strengthening readiness, ensuring timely response and reducing health risks linked to extreme heat.
According to the advisory, daily monitoring and reporting of heat-related illnesses has been made mandatory through a centralised surveillance system. All health facilities have been instructed to provide timely and accurate data to enable swift action. Heatwave alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department will also be regularly shared with health institutions and the public.
Hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres across the state have been directed to ensure the availability of medicines, ORS, IV fluids, ice packs and other essential supplies. Dedicated heatstroke management units are also being set up for serious cases, while ambulance services have been kept on standby under the “Cool First, Transport Later” strategy.
Dr Misra said medical officers, paramedical staff and frontline health workers are being trained to identify and respond quickly to heat-related illnesses. Health institutions have also been asked to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply, drinking water, cooling arrangements and emergency preparedness. Fire safety audits, electrical inspections and mock drills are also being conducted regularly.
The advisory has urged people to adopt simple but effective preventive steps, including staying hydrated, consuming ORS or homemade drinks such as lemonade and lassi, and wearing loose cotton clothing. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, especially between noon and 3 pm, and remain in shaded or well-ventilated areas.
Authorities have cautioned against consuming alcohol, excessive tea, coffee and sugary or carbonated beverages, warning they can increase dehydration. People have also been advised to avoid stale or heavy food and not leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Special attention has been sought for infants, elderly people, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with existing health conditions. Families have been urged to regularly check on elderly persons living alone and ensure they remain in cool and safe surroundings.
The advisory also includes workplace guidelines, asking employers to provide drinking water, shaded rest areas and adjust working hours to cooler morning or evening periods. Workers are being encouraged to use a buddy system and remain alert to signs of heat stress.
Guidelines have also been issued for public and private events, advising against outdoor gatherings during peak heat and directing organisers to ensure water, shade, cooling arrangements and medical assistance at venues.
Dr Misra said the Haryana government remains committed to safeguarding public health through planning, awareness and coordinated action, while urging citizens to remain cautious and seek immediate medical help if symptoms such as dizziness, extreme thirst, weakness or signs of heatstroke appear.