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Hospitals told to reserve beds for heat stroke patients, maintain cooling as heatwave rips across Rajasthan
Hospitals across Rajasthan were directed to reserve beds for heat stroke patients and reinforce cooling measures as a heatwave sweeps the state. The Directorate of Medical Education issued an advisory for prevention and management of heat-related illnesses, with staff told to cancel leaves and stay stationed at headquarters, and wards and ICUs to be equipped with medicines, ice packs, and cooling systems.
Why It Matters
The advisory aims to prevent heat-related illnesses amid extreme temperatures and protect vulnerable groups as forecasts warn heatwave conditions could persist into next week.
Timeline
9 Events
Weather forecast indicates heatwave may persist; potential storms and rainfall
April 28, 2026
Jaipur Meteorological Centre reported that heatwave conditions may continue across several parts of Rajasthan with maximum temperatures between 43 and 46 degrees Celsius. Jaisalmer recorded 46.4 degrees Celsius in the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning. The forecast also noted possible thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated light rainfall due to an active western disturbance and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Public health advisory reiterates hydration and protection for vulnerable groups
April 28, 2026
Chief Medical and Health Officer Ravi Shekhawat urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and take necessary precautions, with special care for the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
Heat stroke readiness at Women's Hospital in Sanganeri Gate
April 28, 2026
Superintendent Asha Verma said one bed has been reserved in each ward for heat stroke patients, ICU beds are kept ready, and water coolers, air conditioners, and duct systems are operational. Desert coolers and shades have been arranged for attendants.
Cooling infrastructure and water arrangements at JK Lone Hospital
April 28, 2026
Superintendent Dr R N Sehra said cooling systems have been installed in all wards and arrangements have been made for drinking water for attendants. The hospital sees around 1,300 child patients daily, with 200-250 admissions.
No heat stroke cases reported yet; preparations continue
April 28, 2026
Dr Sharma stated that no heat stroke cases have been reported so far, but all preparations remain in place to handle potential cases.
Cooling and mitigation measures implemented in hospitals
April 28, 2026
Arrangements include installation of green nets between registration counters and the Dhanvantari building, activation of air-conditioning in operation theatres and ICUs, and water sprinkling in crowded areas during the evening. Water coolers, desert coolers, shades, and duct systems were also made operational.
Heat stroke bed arrangements announced, including a dedicated ward and ICU beds
April 28, 2026
The advisory states that beds in general wards and intensive care units should be reserved for heat stroke patients. A separate ward has been set up in the hospital's south wing for heat stroke patients, and five ICU beds have been reserved.
Medical staff leaves to be canceled and staff presence at headquarters mandated
April 28, 2026
Medical superintendents and principals of medical colleges were asked to cancel the leaves of doctors, nursing and paramedical staff and ensure their presence at headquarters.
Directorate of Medical Education issues advisory to hospitals on heat-related illness prevention
April 28, 2026
The Directorate of Medical Education issued an advisory to all hospitals in Rajasthan to prevent and manage heat-related illnesses in view of the forecast heatwave. Hospitals were instructed to reserve beds for heat stroke patients in general wards and intensive care units and to ensure the availability of medicines and ice packs, while maintaining cooling arrangements such as coolers and air-conditioners.