During a recent review session chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the readiness of the health sector was assessed in light of the forthcoming heatwave season. The evaluation focused on ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies such as medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and potable water.
With extreme hot conditions predicted for the upcoming summer, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the necessity for coordinated efforts among all levels of government—central, state, and district. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) disclosed that Prime Minister Modi was briefed on the temperature outlook for April to June 2024, anticipating above-normal maximum temperatures across much of the country, particularly in Central and Western India.
The meeting also addressed the importance of timely dissemination of essential information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, particularly in regional languages, through various media platforms including television, radio, and social media. Given the expected hotter-than-normal summer coinciding with general elections, there was a call for translating and widely distributing advisories issued by the Health Ministry and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) into regional languages.
Modi reiterated the necessity for a comprehensive approach involving all branches of government, ministries, and departments at the central, state, and district levels. He stressed the significance of awareness campaigns coupled with adequate hospital preparedness, emphasizing the prompt detection and containment of forest fires.
The meeting was attended by key officials including the principal secretary to the prime minister, the home secretary, representatives from the India Meteorological Department, and the National Disaster Management Authority, underlining the gravity of the issue and the collaborative efforts required to address it effectively.