KP Hospitals to Set Up Heatwave Emergency Units

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department has directed hospitals across the province to establish heat wave emergency units as rising temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

The instructions were issued through an advisory by the Directorate General Health Services to all district health officers, medical superintendents, and medical directors of medical teaching institutions.

The advisory said that extreme weather conditions, global warming, and soaring temperatures have led to a significant rise in heat-related illnesses, creating a serious public health concern.

It added that elderly people, children, pregnant women, athletes, infants, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk.

KP hospitals have been directed to set up dedicated wards equipped with essential medicines, intravenous fluids, cooling equipment, and other necessary items for the timely management of heat-related emergencies.

The hospitals have also been asked to ensure round-the-clock readiness during the peak summer season.

According to the advisory, heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause death, permanent organ damage, or disability if not treated promptly.

It said recent heat waves have led to significant illness and deaths, increasing pressure on the healthcare system, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and it can no longer cool itself through sweating. High temperatures, humidity, dehydration, and prolonged sun exposure can trigger the condition.

Symptoms include heavy or absent sweating, hot and flushed skin, weakness, lethargy, chills, severe headache, high fever, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, and slurred speech.