Patna: The severe heatwave sweeping across Bihar has pushed the health department into emergency mode, with hospitals making special arrangements to deal with rising cases of heatstroke and dehydration. In Rohtas district, officials say preparations have been strengthened after learning from previous years, when extreme temperatures led to serious illness and several deaths across the state. Authorities are now focusing not only on treatment but also on preventing panic among families seeking medical care during the intense summer heat.
At Sasaram Sadar Hospital, the largest government hospital in Rohtas district, a special heatstroke ward has been prepared for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. The ward has around 10 to 12 beds and is fully equipped with air conditioners, coolers and fans to provide relief from the scorching temperatures outside. Hospital officials said the cooling facilities are important because reducing body temperature quickly is one of the most effective ways to save a heatstroke patient. Clean drinking water arrangements have also been improved with repaired water coolers and additional facilities for patients and their relatives.
Doctors at the hospital say emergency medicines and medical equipment have been stocked in advance to avoid shortages during critical situations. More than 40 essential medicines, along with ORS packets, glucose, oxygen cylinders, ice packs, thermometers and blood pressure machines, have been arranged inside the ward. Dr Rakesh Kumar, a physician at the hospital, said oxygen concentrators and life-saving support systems are fully operational to handle serious patients whose organs may fail due to extreme heat. He added that hospitals have been instructed to ensure patients do not need to buy medicines from outside during emergencies.
The administration has also deployed special teams of doctors and nurses on a 24-hour rotational basis to monitor patients and respond quickly to emergencies. Ambulance services have been placed on alert, especially for calls from rural areas, so that patients can reach hospitals within the “golden hour” when treatment is most effective. Civil Surgeon Dr Maniraj Ranjan said the hospital is fully prepared and daily drills are being carried out to keep staff ready for any sudden rise in cases. He also confirmed that ventilators and emergency equipment are functioning properly and that referral arrangements have been made for patients needing advanced treatment at larger hospitals.
To improve communication with the public, the health department has started a help desk at the hospital. Residents can contact the helpline number 8544421740 to ask about bed availability or treatment facilities. Officials believe this will help reduce confusion and provide reassurance to families during emergencies. Large posters and banners have also been placed in hospitals and public places to spread awareness about how to stay safe during the heatwave.
Doctors are advising people to avoid stepping outside between 12pm and 4pm, wear loose cotton clothes, cover their heads and drink plenty of water even if they do not feel thirsty. People have also been encouraged to consume electrolyte drinks, lemon water and salt-sugar solutions to prevent dehydration. Health experts warned that hot winds and direct sunlight can quickly lead to heatstroke if proper precautions are ignored.
Relatives of patients admitted to the hospital said facilities and management have improved significantly compared with previous years. Jaishankar Kumar, whose family members are receiving treatment at the hospital, said doctors and staff were behaving politely and medicines were being provided on time. He added that many people usually prefer expensive private hospitals, but government hospitals are now offering better treatment and improved services during the heatwave crisis.
