Amid rising temperatures and heatwave conditions across several parts of India, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, has released a public health advisory aimed at protecting people from heat stress and related illnesses.
The advisory, prepared by the AYUSH vertical under DGHS along with the Ministry of AYUSH, outlines preventive measures for the general public, vulnerable populations, employers, workers, and those attending mass gatherings or sports events during the summer season.
People have been advised to stay well-hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, wear loose cotton clothing, and consume seasonal fruits along with electrolyte-rich drinks.
According to the advisory, infants, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, outdoor labourers, and people suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease are at greater risk during heatwaves and should be monitored carefully.
The guidelines also recommend special arrangements at workplaces and public events, including shaded rest spaces, frequent hydration breaks, acclimatisation support for workers, and awareness about symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Citizens have been urged to watch for warning signs such as dizziness, headache, nausea, dehydration, high body temperature, confusion, seizures, and unconsciousness. The advisory stated that heatstroke is a medical emergency and advised people to seek immediate medical help through emergency helplines 108 or 102 in serious cases.
The document also highlights traditional preventive practices from different AYUSH systems. Ayurveda recommends cooling diets and hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water, lemonade, raw mango drinks, and tamarind-based refreshments to help maintain body temperature during extreme heat.
The Siddha and Yoga systems suggest cooling drinks, gentle yoga routines, and breathing exercises like Sheetali Pranayama to reduce heat stress. Unani medicine recommends herbal remedies for sunburn and dehydration, while homoeopathy advises precautionary measures during peak heat hours.
Additionally, the advisory encourages the inclusion of cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, musk melon, lime, ash gourd, and tomatoes in the daily diet. People have also been advised to keep track of weather updates and heatwave warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department and follow necessary precautions accordingly.
