Karachi: The Sindh Health department, in the backdrop of the Meteorological department’s extreme heat forecast on Saturday, has called on authorities concerned to take measures to address any emergency situation.
Sindh Health Services director-general Dr Masoud Ahmad Solangi, in a letter to Karachi divisional director of health services and district health officers in the commercial hub, said a heatwave was likely to grip the Karachi city from June 8 to 10.
Forecasts said the day maximum temperature would range in 36-38 degrees centigrade during the period, with 75 to 85 per cent humidity.
Solangi suggested that emergency be implemented 24/7 in all hospitals and health care facilities and no leave shall be allowed to any medical and paramedical staff.
He also called for an increase in medical and paramedical staff where needed accordingly as well as to ensure availability of all essential medicine along with drips, cannula and ORS for managing heatwave affected patients.
The director-general also recommended the establishment of special wards for managing heat stroke cases in emergency with availability of air conditioning, ice, generators and water supply.
The health department has also advised the provision of a 24/7 well-equipped ambulance service for transportation and a public health awareness campaign among masses on taking precautions regarding heat stroke.
It has sought daily reports, up to 4pm to the office of the Sindh director-general of health services, for onward transmission to higher authorities.
