Rising temp prompts pvt hosps to start heat clinics at OPDs
Times of India | 5 April 2024
Kolkata: The scorching spell has led to a spike in heat-induced illnesses, prompting several private hospitals to launch ‘heat clinics’ or dedicated units at their OPDs, some of which are also advising patients on ways to beat the heat. Almost all hospital OPDs have seen a sharp rise in patients suffering from heat exhaustion, fever, cramps, skin allergies and vomiting.Physicians fear that the number will rise exponentially since the mercury is set to touch 40°C this weekend and may stay there for weeks.
The sudden temperature spiral has made it difficult for the body to adjust to the heat, said RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS) consultant Arindam Biswas.
“Most are walking into the heat from an AC environment where the temperature is below 20°C. The outdoor temperature has been around 40°C and the body needs time to adjust to this 20-degree difference. The body’s thermoregulation system is being disturbed. Sudden exposure to heat makes it difficult for our system to maintain the normal temperature of 37°C and the body fails to cope with it. The result could be fever or heat exhaustion, loss of consciousness or vomiting. We are getting numerous such patients,” said Biswas.
BP Poddar Hospital has launched a ‘summer care’ section at its OPD to attend to heat-related cases. It is distributing leaflets advising patients on ways to protect themselves from heat. The hospital has 41 patients with heat-related illnesses, almost half being elderly.
“We’ve implemented a new procedure in our OPD, wherein we distribute leaflets to inform patients how to manage the effects of the heat wave. Additionally, our patient services helpline team follows up with a feedback call after 14 days to enquire about their well-being,” said Souvik Goswami, consultant physician, B P Poddar Hospital.
Even though it has not received any case of heat cramp or heat stroke, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital has equipped its OPD with water bottles and ORS to keep patients hydrated. “We have sensitised nurses to attend to patients exhibiting any symptom,” said Rupali Basu, MD & CEO, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital.
AMRI Hospitals have alerted doctors and OPD staff to screen patients with symptoms of heat fever or exhaustion. “Everyone should drink water at regular intervals,” said AMRI critical care consultant Saswati Sinha.
RTIICS has kept a team of doctors and medical staff ready at its OPD to attend to heat-induced illnesses.
Charnock Hospital has prepared all staff in ER for primary management of patients with heat-related ailments. Heat Stroke Protocol has been activated across the hospital including the OPD, where pregnant women and elderly patients have been asked to visit regularly to consult doctors.