Govt hosps open exclusive wards to treat heat-related illnesses, post DPH advisory

CHENNAI: Government hospitals across Chennai have allotted exclusive bed facilities to treat patients admitted for sunstroke, as per an advisory issued by the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to ensure heat-wave preparedness. Hospitals have said that extensive measures are being taken by the authorities to ensure treatment is extended to save lives.

The Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital has kept a five-bed air-conditioned ward ready for heat-related emergency admissions. “We have sensitised the doctors to identify the heat-related illnesses and treat the patients accordingly. Heat stroke needs to be managed with immediate care, and patients are attended to daily in the separate ward in

Tower 1. ORS solutions, wet blankets and ice packs are also provided,” said Dr E Theranirajan, Dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

While most patients are managed at the outpatient care in Stanley Medical College and Hospital, 10 beds have been allotted exclusively to handle heat exhaustion cases.

Dr P Balaji, Dean of Stanley Medical College and Hospital (SMC), said the hospital is witnessing at least 10 cases with complaints of heat-related illnesses every day. “Though most patients do not require inpatient care in such cases, we have to be on the alert. We have seen cases of mild heat exhaustion in patients due to dehydration and excessive sweating. Giddiness and muscle cramps are also common among such patients,” he said.

Oral rehydration solution or IV fluids are the best for first-aid for heat stroke, say doctors. SMC has an exclusive facility of beds and rehydration resources to manage patients with heat-related illnesses and provide outpatient care for these patients. “People should be careful when stepping out in the sun. Staying indoors between 11 am -2 pm is essential,” Dr P Balaji cautioned.

The 108 ambulance service providers have also reported a surge in the cases of fainting giddiness and unconsciousness among the emergency cases reported through the helplines. The sources with the helpline say the ongoing heatwave has led to an increase in such cases.

Dr L Parthasarathy, Director of the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital, said that 24 earmarked beds and monitoring units have been set up at the hospital for treating heat-related emergency cases. Though there are not many severe cases of heat stroke as yet, the paediatric and geriatric age group should be cautious.

“Diabetics and people with kidney-related issues should completely avoid going outside as they can have severe dehydration instantly. Gig workers and people who work outdoors should ensure that they take enough water, tender coconut, and buttermilk to stay hydrated as it is important to replenish with water,” he stated.

We are witnessing at least 10 cases with complaints of heat-related illnesses every day —Dr P Balaji, Dean of Stanley Medical College and Hospital