New Delhi, March 28 -- In the wake of early onset of summer and increase in exposure to heat across the northern and central parts of the country, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has directed the governments of state and Union territories (UTs) to implement the national advisory or action plan on heat-related illnesses.

Srivastava said health facilities must be prepared for availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, intravenous (IV) fluids, ice packs, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and all necessary equipment.

According to the India Metrological Department (IMD), during the upcoming hot weather season (March to May), the country may see above-normal seasonal maximum temperatures in most parts, especially...