PMA issues health advisory about heatwave 

KARACHI: President, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA-Centre), Dr Ikram Ahmed Tunio, has urged people to avoid going out unnecessarily during daytime hours and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from the ongoing heatwave.

As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department's prediction, a heatwave has gripped Sindh and Karachi, with temperatures rising to 40 or 42 ºC. Scorching heat will be observed during the daytime, and the weather conditions are expected to remain the same for a week.

President, PMA Centre, Dr Ikram Ahmed Tunio, said people should go out only if necessary and avoid sunlight. He advised people to cover their heads with a cap or wet cloth, avoid going out barefoot and wear light shoes.

He said children and old people should be more careful during the heatwave because they have low immunity. Eat light home-cooked meals, and avoid eating more fried items.

Secretary-General, Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, appealed to the government to ensure electricity availability and avoid load shedding during these days. He said that the KWSB should ensure continuous water supply during this time as well.

He explained the symptoms of heatstroke as well, namely itching, weakness, headache, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, muscular pains, and unconsciousness. He said heatstroke patients should be moved to a shady place, provided with clean drinking water; however, if unconscious, do not put water or any edible into the mouth. Cooldown the person's body by sponging or spraying cold water, monitoring the patient's pulse and blood pressure, and shifting the patient to the hospital urgently.

-MN Report