By The Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has instructed health facilities across the province to implement specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) in anticipation of an increase in temperatures.
The Meteorological Department recently issued a warning about high-pressure conditions in the upper atmosphere leading to heatwave conditions, particularly in Punjab and Sindh from May 21, with severe heatwaves expected from May 23 to 27.
To address this, the Punjab government has already adjusted school timings until May 31, and now the provincial health department is taking proactive steps. They have directed CEOs of district health authorities and medical superintendents of hospitals to prepare for the anticipated heatwave.
The SOPs include setting up heatwave counters at hospitals to inform the public about preventive measures, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, ensuring availability of water coolers, air conditioning, and medicines round the clock, and disseminating educational messages on staying safe during extreme heat.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) is also actively engaging citizens through online and social media platforms, urging them to take precautionary measures such as staying indoors during peak sunlight hours, wearing light-colored clothes, and staying hydrated.
These efforts emphasize proactive measures to safeguard public health during expected temperature spikes, underlining the importance of community cooperation and individual responsibility.
