GRH opens exclusive ward to treat heat-related illnesses

Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai opens new ward with 10 beds to treat heat-related emergencies, following recent cases in Tamil Nadu.

Government Rajaji Hospital here has opened a new ward with 10 beds to treat heat-related emergency cases. Following the recent heat-related illness cases which were reported in Tamil Nadu, the State government, as a precautionary measure, directed the government hospitals to setup exclusive wards with bed facilities.

The extensive measures by hospital authorities come on the advisory released by the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.  

The ward which is air-conditioned would be maintained at a temperature lower than the outer atmosphere as an immediate measure to treat affected patients, said C. Dharmaraj, Dean in-charge, GRH. 

He said that the doctors at the hospital had been sensitised to the treatment and care that should be extended to patients who would be admitted for heat-related illnesses.  

“Treatments pertaining to heat strokes would be managed on a daily basis and essentials for the treatment like ORS solutions, wet blankets and ice packs are kept ready,” he added.  

In addition to this, three beds were already set up at the Tamil Nadu Accident and Emergency Care Initiative for treating heat-related issues, he said.  

Though no serious incidents were recorded so far, some mild cases like dehydration, excessive sweating, giddiness and muscle cramps were treated as outpatients, Dr. Dharmaraj said.