The Centre has issued a nationwide directive to states and Union Territories to strengthen heatwave preparedness as IMD forecasts above-normal heatwave conditions across large parts of India.
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units across health facilities, as India braces for an above-normal heatwave season from April to June 2026.
In a letter sent to Chief Secretaries, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the need for urgent preparedness measures based on the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) updated seasonal outlook.
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IMD heatwave forecast
According to the IMD, above-normal heatwave days are expected between April and June 2026 across parts of East, Central and North-West India, as well as the South-East Peninsula.
Coastal regions of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh are likely to be significantly affected. Isolated areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka are also expected to experience heatwave conditions.
Government preparedness measures
The Health Ministry has instructed states to ensure:
- Operational Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities
- Adequate preparedness of ambulance services
- Timely dissemination of heatwave early warnings
- Real-time reporting of heatstroke cases on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
- Officials have also been asked to strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure rapid response during peak heat periods.
Public health focus
The Health Secretary stressed that proactive planning and coordinated action by states and UTs is essential to reduce heat-related illnesses and prevent avoidable deaths during extreme weather conditions.
Authorities have been urged to review preparedness systems and ensure full implementation of guidelines ahead of the peak summer months.
(With ANI inputs)
Published: 27 Apr 2026, 09:10 pm IST
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