KARACHI: Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Secretary General Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad on Wednesday issued health alert to protect people from ongoing heatwave in the country.
In a statement, PMA Secretary General said that as per Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) alert, heatwave was likely to grip the Province of Sind from 11-16 May during which the maximum day temperature in Karachi might rise to 40°C and more whereas the maximum temperatures in Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushero Feroz, Khairpur, Shikarpur and Ghotki districts could also rise to 46 to 48 °C.
PMA leader Dr Qaisar advised the public to adopt the following preventive measures to protect themselves from heatwave. Avoid going out unnecessarily during the day from 11:00am to 4:00pm. If it is necessary to go out, then go through the shady way and make it sure that you don’t stay longer in sunlight. It further said that if you go out, cover your head with cap or wet cloth. Do not go out barefoot instead wear light shoes. Do not play any game in an open area in sun.
He further instructed: “Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. Children and old people should be more careful during Heatwave, because of low immunity they can suffer more. Always eat light and fresh home-cooked meals. Preferably eat vegetables, pulses, fruits, milk etc. If it is unavoidable to go out, then drink more water or home-made solutions. Drink 15 -20 glass of water/ liquids.”
The PMA secretary general says always use boiled water to avoid water-born diseases like cholera, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, hepatitis A and E etc. Government should strictly manage to avoid load-shedding during these days and also make sure the continuously supply of water.
He said: “Save water. Do not waste it in washing cars or any other vehicles, floor, gardening etc. to avoid water shortage during heat wave. Public and private organizations should establish drinking water and first-aid stalls at public places and road sides.”
The PMA leader advises that in symptoms of heatstroke, make it sure that the affected person breath well, give him / her clean drinking water but in case of unconsciousness, do not put water or any edible into the mouth. Cool the person’s entire body by sponging or spraying cold water. Monitor the pulse and blood pressure of the patient and shift the patient to hospital urgently, he further advises.