Extreme Heat and Health Challenges
India is facing more intense and frequent heatwaves, harming public health.
Heat leads to dehydration, heatstroke, worsened chronic diseases, and strains hospitals.
The current health response is focused on emergency care, not prevention.
Need for Prevention and Preparedness
Primary health-care workers like ASHA workers can act as heat-safety champions.
Training and simple protocols (e.g., hydration tips, avoiding sun) can save lives.
Linking weather alerts with local health actions (like WhatsApp messages, home visits) can create early response systems.
Clinicians must adjust care for vulnerable patients (heart, kidney, diabetes, mental health) during heatwaves.
Upgrading the Health System
Heat illnesses are often misdiagnosed; many doctors don’t screen for heat exposure.
India needs standard protocols, hospital heat drills, and ‘heat corners’ in emergency rooms.
Solutions require cross-sector coordination:
Urban planning for cooler homes
Water supply during summer
Regulated outdoor work hours
Climate scientists guiding data-driven action
Equity and Climate Resilience
Heat affects the poor and vulnerable the most — workers, children, elderly in overcrowded areas.
Telling them to “stay indoors” is unrealistic and unfair.
We must map social vulnerability and offer:
Early health checks in heat zones
Mobile hydration stations
Cool shelters for the homeless
Worker protection policies
Equity, science, and local leadership must drive climate and health strategies.
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