LUCKNOW, April 5 -- With temperatures expected to soar in the coming weeks, the chief medical officer of Lucknow, Dr NB Singh, has directed all community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs) to prepare for a likely surge in heat-related illnesses. Emergency duty rosters, functioning air conditioners, and awareness campaigns were part of a checklist issued during his ongoing district-wide inspection drive.

During visits to CHCs in Kakori and Malihabad on Friday, Dr Singh instructed staff to ensure that an emergency doctor is always available according to a pre-approved roster. He also asked centres to maintain adequate supplies of cool drinking water and functional cooling systems.

"Every CHC must ensure visibility of ...