As temperatures rise across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial health department has taken proactive steps to mitigate the risk of heatstroke by establishing cooling spaces in hospitals.
The KP Health Department has issued an advisory to prevent and treat possible heatwaves. In response to the looming threat of a heatwave, the health minister has issued directives to set up heatstroke treatment units in all hospitals, particularly in category D and above hospitals.
The directive further mandates the appointment of focal persons at the district level to oversee heatwave management efforts. Ensuring the availability of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and essential medicines in hospitals has also been emphasized, along with providing cold drinking water in wards and waiting rooms.
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Additionally, hospitals are instructed to stock up on ice bags to aid in heatstroke treatment.
Meanwhile, the Met Department forecasts partly cloudy weather across most areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a chance of rain in several districts, including Chitral, Dir, Bajaur, Buner, Malakand, Swat, Shangla, and Kohistan.
On Saturday, Chitral and DI Khan experienced rainfall, providing temporary relief from the scorching temperatures. In Peshawar, the lowest temperature recorded was 20 degrees Celsius, while Malam Jabba witnessed even cooler temperatures at 9 to 10 degrees Celsius.
These preemptive measures and weather forecasts aim to ensure the well-being of residents amidst rising temperatures and potential rainfall. With the establishment of heatstroke treatment units and the provision of essential resources in hospitals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is prepared to address the challenges posed by both heatwaves and inclement weather conditions.