Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital Opens First Heat Stroke Unit

In response to the escalating heatwave in the national capital, Delhi has inaugurated its inaugural heat stroke unit at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to provide treatment to affected individuals.

The heat stroke unit was officially opened by Roli Singh, the Additional Secretary of the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.

Speaking about the same, Roli Singh, Additional Secretary, MOHFW, said, “It is a good initiative RML has taken this initiative to start a heat stroke management unit. I am glad to see that state-of-the-art equipment here.”

“The idea is to inform more and more people regarding this unit and encourage them to make use of these facilities. I would like to congratulate the RML team for this,” she said.

The ministry has additionally distributed guidelines for managing heat strokes. These directives have been dispatched to each state by the ministry. Roli Singh elaborated that the guidelines encompass strategies for treating heat stroke patients, the necessary resources, and essential precautions to be observed, and they have been disseminated to all hospitals.

“The Union Health Ministry has given instructions to make arrangements for ice packs, glucose, and ORS among others in hospitals to prevent heat stroke,” she added.

As temperatures escalate, the imperative of safeguarding public health from heat-related crises becomes increasingly paramount. The establishment of the Heat Stroke Unit signifies a notable stride in our dedication to safeguarding the welfare of our citizens, especially amidst the scorching summer season.

Dr Professor Ajay Shukla spoke on the newly inaugurated unit and said, “Equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and staffed by a team of highly trained professionals, the Heat Stroke Unit stands ready to provide immediate and specialized care to those affected by heat-related illnesses.”

“From rapid cooling treatments to expert medical supervision, our facility is fully prepared to address the diverse needs of patients suffering from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and any other heat-related illnesses,” said Dr Shukla.

Dr Seema Wasnik, Incharge of this unit and HOD, of Emergency Medicine, said, “Rapid and early cooling is the only urgent step to bring down the mortality and morbidity in heat stroke patients. Heat stroke can have mortality as high as 80 per cent if not treated in time and rapidly.”

She elaborated that a dedicated room has been set up within the heat stroke unit, stocked with all essential supplies required for treating patients afflicted with heat stroke.

“A special type of tub has been kept to normalize the body temperature of the patient suffering from heat stroke, in which ice and water have been put and if needed, the patient will be made to lie in it so that his body temperature can be normalized immediately,” she said.

“Apart from this, an ice-making machine has also been kept here so that ice can be used immediately if needed. All kinds of facilities have been kept in this heat stroke room,” she added.

The inauguration of the Heat Stroke Unit signifies a significant milestone in the doctors’ endeavors to prioritize public health and safety. By implementing proactive measures and conducting community outreach, the doctors strive to enhance awareness regarding the perils of heat-related ailments and empower individuals to adopt preventive measures.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the realization of this vital initiative, including our dedicated staff, partners, and supporters. Together, we are making strides towards a safer, healthier future for our community,” said Dr Seema Wasnik.