The Union Health Ministry has directed all states and Union Territories to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units across healthcare facilities as India prepares for an above-normal heatwave season between April and June 2026.
In a letter to Chief Secretaries, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stressed the need for urgent preparedness, citing the latest seasonal outlook issued by the India Meteorological Department.
IMD heatwave forecast
According to the IMD, several parts of East, Central, and North-West India, along with the South-East Peninsula, are likely to witness above-normal heatwave days during this period. Coastal regions of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be significantly impacted, while isolated areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka may also face heatwave conditions.
Government preparedness measures
The ministry has asked states to ensure:
- Functional Heat Stroke Management Units in all health facilities
- Adequate readiness of ambulance services
- Timely dissemination of heatwave early warnings
- Real-time reporting of heatstroke cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
Officials have also been instructed to strengthen coordination systems to enable swift response during peak heat periods.
Public health focus
Emphasising the need for proactive planning, the Health Secretary noted that coordinated action by states and UTs is crucial to minimise heat-related illnesses and prevent avoidable deaths during extreme weather conditions. Authorities have been urged to review their preparedness and fully implement guidelines ahead of the peak summer months.
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