Bathinda (Gurpreet Singh): With temperatures soaring across Punjab, health experts have sounded an alert over the growing number of heat-related illnesses, urging residents to adopt preventive measures as hospitals report an increase in patients suffering from dehydration and stomach infections.
Senior Medical Officer of Government Hospital Bathinda, Dr. Arun Bansal, said the recent spell of extreme heat has begun affecting public health, particularly among children and elderly citizens. He stressed that vulnerable groups should avoid stepping outdoors during peak daytime hours unless absolutely necessary.
According to Dr. Bansal, the state recently witnessed temperatures touching nearly 47 degrees Celsius, creating conditions that can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and other serious medical complications if proper precautions are ignored.
Medical professionals have advised people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming fruits rich in natural fluids. Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can significantly reduce the risk of heatstroke, they said.
Doctors have also cautioned against consuming unhygienic street food and oily meals during the summer season, as digestive disorders become more common with rising temperatures. Health authorities have observed an increase in diarrhoea cases among children visiting outpatient departments in recent days.
With schools currently closed for vacation, parents have been encouraged to keep children indoors during afternoon hours instead of allowing them to play under the scorching sun. Indoor activities and adequate fluid intake can help protect youngsters from dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Hospital authorities have assured the public that sufficient stocks of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), essential medicines and emergency treatment facilities are available to manage patients affected by the extreme weather.
Dr. Bansal also highlighted the importance of infant care during the hot season, advising mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding for newborns to ensure proper hydration and nutrition.
Health officials have appealed to the public to remain cautious throughout the ongoing heatwave, noting that timely preventive measures are the most effective way to avoid medical emergencies during periods of extreme temperature.
