For strengthening the state’s health sector response to climate change, the Directorate of Health Services and the National Health Mission (NHM), under the government of Manipur, issued a crucial health advisory on Thursday.
The advisory was released at the conference hall of NHM, Manipur, and underlined the urgent need to mitigate the health risks posed by climate change, particularly with the onset of the summer season.
The initiative falls under the ambit of the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), which was launched in 2019 with the aim of addressing the intricate relationship between climate change and human health.
Nodal officer of NPCCHH, Y Niveda, during an interaction with the media, cited the escalating instances of vector-borne diseases in the state as a consequence of climate change.
To combat such emerging health challenges, proactive measures should be taken up through awareness among the general population, health-care providers and Policy makers regarding the impacts of climate change on human health, he said.
“Though Manipur is not classified among the 23 states and union territories identified as heat-prone areas, and with the current air quality index in the state still within the normal range, there should be cautious”, said Niveda.
As part of the efforts to assess and mitigate the health impacts of climate change, the Health Directorate has selected eight hospitals in the state to report on air pollution-related diseases.
Additionally, plans are underway to designate certain hospitals to monitor and report cases of heat-related illnesses. To facilitate these initiatives, training programs for health staff from various districts have been initiated.
To minimise health risks associated with climate change, Niveda said staying hydrated, minimizing outdoor exposure, avoiding leaving children or pets in parked vehicles, abstaining from alcohol and caffeine, and promoting the use of cleaner fuels such as CNG.
Director Shasheekumar Magang of Directorate of Health and Services stressed on rising cases of dengue at cold regions like Ukhrul, saying it is due to the destruction of the climate barrier.
He mentioned that the health department has conducted a survey of heat stroke and further all hospitals will ask to report heat wave cases.
