NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to launch day-to-day security of heart-related health problem starting Wednesday in view of the projection of a warmer than normal summer season by India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In a letter to primary secretaries of all states/UTs, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has said the daily security will be carried out on Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) - a digital platform for disease security in the country.

All health facilities taking part in this exercise will be needed to keep a line list of cases (of heat-related illness) and deaths and share it on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), the letter adds.It also recommends the states/UTs to without delay disseminate everyday heat alerts by the central firms showing forecast of heat waves for the next couple of days with the state, district and city health departments.

The letter states prompt dissemination of such information would help ensure application of heat-related action plans and support in preparation, handling and examining reaction to heat in addition to the responding agencies.The regular body temperature level ranges from 36.4 o Celsius to 37.2 o Celsius.

The health ministry states exposure to high outside or indoor temperatures can induce heat tension, directly or indirectly, leading to diseases which may include heat rash, muscle cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Severe heat conditions are likewise related to increased rates of heat stress and heat stroke, exacerbation of cardiac arrest and severe kidney injury from dehydration.The health secretary has in his letter encouraged that states/UTs should review the readiness of health centers for schedule of adequate amounts of necessary medications, intravenous fluids, ice bag, ORS and all essential equipment.

The IMD has actually forecasted boosted likelihood of event of heatwave during the coming 3 months (March to May) over many parts of central and adjacent northwest India.