Health Ministry Releases Comprehensive Summer Safety Guidelines Amid Rising Temperatures Across India
Amid rising temperatures and severe heatwave conditions reported in several parts of the country, the AYUSH Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, has issued a detailed public health advisory to help citizens protect themselves from heat stress and heat-related illnesses during the ongoing summer season.
The advisory provides extensive safety guidelines for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and people participating in outdoor events, mass gatherings and sports activities. Authorities have stressed the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, wearing light cotton clothes and consuming electrolyte-rich fluids and seasonal fruits to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Vulnerable Groups Asked To Take Extra Precautions
According to the advisory, infants, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, outdoor labourers and people suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease are at higher risk during heatwave conditions and require special care and monitoring.
The government has advised employers and organisers of outdoor activities to ensure shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks, acclimatisation measures for workers and awareness regarding symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Heatstroke Declared A Medical Emergency
The advisory has warned citizens to stay alert for symptoms including dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting, dehydration, seizures, altered mental status and unusually high body temperature.
Health authorities stated that heatstroke is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is crucial in severe cases. Citizens have been advised to contact emergency helplines 108 or 102 if symptoms worsen or a person collapses due to heat exposure.
Ayurveda, Yoga And Traditional Cooling Remedies Included In Advisory
As part of the addendum issued by the AYUSH Vertical under DGHS, the advisory also includes preventive wellness measures from Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani and Homoeopathy systems to help people cope with extreme heat conditions.
The Ayurveda section recommends cooling dietary habits and hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks. Traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka and Chincha Panaka have also been suggested for regulating body temperature during extreme heat.
The Siddha and Yoga sections advise practising cooling breathing exercises like Sheetali Pranayama along with gentle Yoga routines to maintain thermal comfort and reduce heat stress.
Meanwhile, the Unani system recommends herbal cooling drinks and applications to prevent dehydration and sunburn, while the Homoeopathy section focuses on preventive care during peak heat hours.
Citizens Encouraged To Consume Cooling Summer Foods
The advisory further urged people to include hydrating and cooling food items such as cucumber, watermelon, lime, musk melon, ash gourd and tomatoes in their daily diet to stay protected during the summer season.
Health officials have reiterated that awareness, hydration and timely medical attention remain the key measures for preventing heat-related complications as temperatures continue to rise across multiple regions of India.
