Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) the measures being taken by the Government for undertaking treatment of persons affected from heat wave;
(b) the number of deaths took place till date from heat wave in the country, State/UT-wise including Bihar;
(c) whether the Government extended financial assistance to the families of the deceased; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (d) Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme is collecting information on cases and deaths due to heat related illnesses of vulnerable States since 15.03.2019. As on 30.06.2019, the State-wise details of deaths due to heat related illnesses in the year 2019 is as under:
State Deaths
Bihar 118
Telangana 41
Andhra Pradesh 28
Gujarat 8
Maharashtra 6
Rajasthan 3
Madhya Pradesh 2
Uttar Pradesh 2
Tamil Nadu 1
Kerala 1
Total 210
The primary responsibility of heat wave management rests with the States. The concerned State Governments are required to undertake necessary measures as per their relief codes/relief manuals and set up infrastructure in Government hospitals to deal with patients suffering from heat wave related illnesses.
However, in year 2016, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued Guidelines for ‘Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heat Wave’. NDMA issued revised guidelines in the year 2017.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have also issued ‘Guidelines on Prevention and Management of Heat Related Illnesses’ in the year 2015.
All States/UT Governments and Ministries/Departments concerned are required to take necessary action as per the guidelines issued by NDMA. So far, 13 State Governments have prepared their Heat Action Plan and are implementing the same. NCDC has also been advising State Health Departments to follow guidelines on “Prevention and Management of Heat Wave related Illness”.