In 2024, India reported 48,156 suspected heatstroke cases, 269 suspected deaths, and 161 confirmed fatalities. While suspected cases increased, confirmed and suspected deaths showed a slight decline compared to previous years
Published Mar 10, 2025 | 8:07 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 10, 2025 | 8:07 PM
Heat wave. (iStock)
Synopsis: On 7 March, Telangana’s Director of Public Health convened a meeting with District Medical Officers to discuss the state’s heat-related illness preparedness. Despite efforts to ensure adequate response teams, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) availability, and medicine stock at health centres, Telangana lags in cooling measures for hospitals. The state has only nine hospitals with emergency cooling, compared to better preparedness in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
With the summer season approaching, the Telangana Director of Public Health and Family Welfare convened a video conference on 7 March with all 33 District Medical and Health Officers (DM&HOs) to discuss the state’s preparedness for heat-related illnesses.
During the meeting, officials were instructed to ensure the round-the-clock functioning of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at district headquarters and to secure the availability of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) sachets with field staff, including ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi workers.
There was also a directive to reassess the stock of essential medicines and intravenous fluids at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), as well as to periodically review summer preparedness through coordination committee meetings with line departments.
Despite these initiatives, Telangana’s heat preparedness remains a matter of concern. According to the Heat-Health Preparedness & Response Activities report by the National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health (NPCCHH), which falls under the Union Health Ministry’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the state significantly lagged in ensuring adequate cooling measures in healthcare facilities, with only nine hospitals meeting the necessary criteria for emergency cooling management in 2024.
The report which was released few days back, suggests that while the national average for hospitals with emergency cooling remains low, some South Indian states have made significant progress in addressing heat-related illnesses. Among them, Tamil Nadu leads in preparedness, with 1,073 hospitals assessed as having optimal, adequate, or basic active cooling measures. Kerala follows closely, with 99 hospitals ensuring at least some level of cooling preparedness,
The states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka show moderate levels of readiness, with 76 and 63 hospitals, respectively, meeting the required standards. However, Telangana lags significantly, with only nine hospitals meeting the necessary criteria for emergency cooling management.
These findings highlight a stark disparity in cooling preparedness even within South India, with Tamil Nadu emerging as the most prepared state, while Telangana remains critically vulnerable.
Nationally, the burden of heat-related illnesses has been mounting. In 2024 alone, India recorded 48,156 suspected heatstroke cases, 269 suspected heatstroke deaths, and 161 confirmed heatstroke fatalities. Compared to the last two years, the number of suspected heatstroke cases has increased, while the confirmed and suspected deaths have shown a slight decline.
A recent government report has exposed a significant gap in India’s healthcare preparedness for extreme heat, revealing that approximately 7 Out of 10 Hospitals (68 percent) Lack Emergency Cooling Measures Amid Rising Heatwaves country lack emergency cooling management.
The data indicated that while 84 percent of hospitals ensured basic utilities and 99% had established ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) corners, only 32 percent of facilities had emergency cooling measures in place. Clinical management training for heat-related illnesses and surveillance reporting had been completed by 74 percent of facilities, and community awareness activities were conducted by 83 percent.
In terms of active cooling preparedness, only 6 percent of health facilities were classified as having optimal preparedness, while 32 percent were deemed adequate, 11 percent had basic provisions, and a concerning 51 percent were found to be inadequately prepared.
The ability of health facilities to prevent and manage heat-related illnesses is a critical adaptation measure as global temperatures continue to rise.
Hospitals and clinics serve as the frontline defence against climate change-induced health crises, and their capacity to handle severe cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke within a critical timeframe can significantly reduce the associated health risks.
However, the report highlights that only 32 percent of the assessed hospitals are equipped with essential cooling mechanisms such as air-conditioned emergency rooms, misting fans, cooling beds, and ice packs—vital measures for treating heat-related conditions.
The report, based on assessments conducted between April and July 2024 across 5,690 health facilities, examined the level of preparedness to prevent and manage heat-related illnesses. Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of facility assessments among the states.
However, the report highlights that emergency visits, total deaths, and cardiovascular-related fatalities in healthcare facilities have risen.
As India braces for another scorching summer, the findings emphasise the urgent need for states like Telangana to bridge critical gaps in emergency cooling management, increase training for healthcare workers, and implement more robust public health interventions. Without these measures, the risk of heat-related morbidity and mortality is expected to escalate, placing further strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
The Telangana government has intensified its efforts to tackle the challenges posed by rising temperatures, ensuring that both preventive and emergency measures are in place.
As part of its preparedness strategy, the DPH has mandated the daily reporting of heat-related illness (HRI) cases and the launch of awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of extreme heat.
Although the state is not currently facing power outages, authorities have been directed to ensure the availability of power backup systems, such as generators, in case of emergencies.
The review process has also extended to fire safety measures in clinical establishments, with District Medical & Health Officers (DM&HOs) instructed to verify that all healthcare facilities are equipped with fire safety mechanisms.
To further enhance preparedness, a quarterly electrical audit has been mandated across all health facilities, alongside periodic mock fire drills to strengthen emergency response systems.
Citizens are also advised to carry water while traveling and consume seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content, including watermelon, muskmelon, oranges, grapes, pineapples, cucumbers, and lettuce.
Authorities have stressed the importance of limiting exposure to direct sunlight, urging people to remain indoors in well-ventilated and cool spaces whenever possible. “Windows and curtains should be kept closed during the day to block intense sunlight, while ventilation should be maximised at night to allow cooler air to circulate.
Outdoor activities should be scheduled for the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower. Adequate ventilation in kitchens and cooking areas has also been emphasised to prevent excessive heat buildup indoors,” had said DPH in the advisory.
In light of the escalating temperatures, citizens have been strongly advised to avoid venturing out during peak heat hours, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The government has recommended minimising strenuous physical activities in the afternoon and avoiding walking barefoot on hot surfaces, which could lead to heat-related burns.
The health department has also outlined key warning signs of heat-related illnesses that require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms such as confusion, agitation, irritability, disorientation, or seizures should be taken seriously. Other dangerous indicators include hot, red, and dry skin, a body temperature of 40°C (104°F) or higher, severe headaches, dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness. Muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing are also recognized as critical signs of heatstroke that must not be ignored.
The DPH on Sunday, 7 March also said that to strengthen healthcare response capabilities, the Telangana government has made extensive arrangements at public health facilities to manage heat-related illnesses.
Special beds, intravenous (IV) fluids, essential medicines, and ORS sachets have been stocked at all government hospitals and health centers. Additionally, ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers have been equipped with ORS sachets to assist individuals in need during emergencies.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
