With summer peak of the year, locally referred to as ‘kathri’ is set to start on May 4 (Thursday), Health Department has made elaborate arrangements to combat summer induced diseases and warned public to avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long period.
As per the observational data of India Meterological Department (IMD), Chennai, the city experienced minimum temperature of 25 degree Celsius and maximum temperature of 36.5 degree Celsius on Wednesday.
Health Department officials have advised public to avoid long time exposure to sun between 12 noon and 3.p.m. when the temperature is at its high. “People are advised to consume lot of water to prevent dehydration. Hygiene of the water is very important as contaminated beverages and food can easily trigger summer induced diarrhoea and other health problems. Maintaining personal hygiene is important in summer to keep skin diseases and infections at bay,” said P.G. Bhanumathi, Deputy Director of Health Services.
Though instances of heatstroke have not reported this year, Health Department has made arrangements in all government hospitals to handle emergency cases.
As a preventive measure, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) corners have been set up at all Primary Health Centres (PHC) in the district. “ORS corners will have the solution kept in safe containers at all PHCs across the district. Public and patients can make use of the ORS corner to avoid dehydration. ORS sachets will also be available free of cost at all Government hospitals,” said Dr. Bhanumathi.
