DGHS Releases Heatwave Advisory, Urges Citizens To Prevent Heat Stress With AYUSH Measures

NEW DELHI, May 18: Amid intensifying heatwave conditions across several regions of the country, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Union Health Ministry, has released a detailed public advisory aimed at protecting citizens from heat stress and heat-related illnesses. The guidelines have been prepared in coordination with the Ministry of AYUSH and include both modern preventive measures and traditional wellness practices.

The advisory has been issued through the AYUSH vertical of DGHS and offers safety recommendations for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, labourers, and participants in outdoor gatherings and sporting activities during the peak summer season.

Authorities stressed the importance of maintaining proper hydration, limiting outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and wearing loose, light-coloured cotton clothes to minimise the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Citizens have also been advised to consume electrolyte-rich fluids and seasonal fruits to maintain body balance during extreme temperatures.

According to the DGHS heatwave advisory, certain groups face a significantly higher risk during prolonged heat exposure. These include infants, young children, pregnant women, senior citizens, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The advisory called for close monitoring and extra precautions for such high-risk categories.

Officials warned that heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. In severe cases involving high fever, unconsciousness, dizziness or confusion, people have been urged to seek emergency medical support through helpline numbers 108 or 102 without delay.

The advisory also highlights several preventive and cooling methods drawn from traditional AYUSH systems. The Ayurveda recommendations include consuming cooling beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks to help regulate body temperature naturally.

Traditional preparations including Nimbu Phala Panaka (lemon drink), Amra Prapanaka (raw mango sharbat) and Chincha Panaka (tamarind beverage) have also been suggested as effective summer refreshments to combat dehydration and heat fatigue.

The Siddha and Yoga sections of the advisory recommend practising calming breathing techniques like Sheetali Pranayama and engaging in light yoga exercises to reduce body heat and improve overall physical comfort during hot weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Unani system advises the use of herbal applications and natural remedies to prevent sunburn and fluid loss, while the homoeopathy section focuses on precautionary measures and lifestyle adjustments during peak heat periods.

In addition, citizens have been encouraged to include cooling and water-rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon, musk melon, lime, tomatoes and ash gourd in their regular diet throughout the summer months.

The Health Ministry has also urged people to stay updated with weather forecasts and heatwave alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department and follow all recommended safety measures to minimise health risks during the ongoing extreme weather conditions.