All government medical college hospitals across the State have been instructed to ensure comprehensive preparedness measures for prevention and management of heatwave-related illnesses, including operationalising heat stroke management units, maintaining adequate stocks of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and essential medicines, training healthcare personnel, drawing up emergency response plan, carrying out fire safety audits and awareness for the public.

In a circular dated April 28, Director of Medical Education (DME) and Research R. Suganthy Rajakumari asked all deans/heads of institutions to take steps to maintain adequate stocks of intravenous fluids, ice packs, and other supplies required for effective cooling and management of heat-related illnesses. Capacity building of healthcare personnel and community health workers should be ensured for early identification, prompt management, and proper reporting of such cases. Adequate arrangements for treatment of heat stroke patients round-the-clock should be made.