The Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, issued a comprehensive Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat/Heatwave
Advisory targets general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in mass gatherings and sports events
Identifies vulnerable groups: infants, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension
Recommends preventive measures: adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, use of light cotton clothing, consumption of seasonal fruits and fluids rich in electrolytes
For workplaces and public gatherings: provision of shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks, acclimatization measures for workers
Emergency protocols: heatstroke identified as medical emergency requiring immediate attention, emergency helplines 108/102 for severe cases
Ayurveda recommendations: cooling dietary practices, hydrating beverages including buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks, traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka and Chincha Panaka
Siddha and Yoga recommendations: cooling refreshments, breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama, gentle Yoga practices
Unani recommendations: traditional cooling drinks and herbal applications to prevent sunburn and dehydration
Homoeopathy recommendations: precautionary measures during peak heat hours
Dietary recommendations: include cucumber, watermelon, lime, musk melon, ash gourd and tomatoes in daily diet
Citizens advised to follow weather updates from India Meteorological Department (IMD)
