During the session, the Prime Minister was briefed on temperature projections for April to June 2024, indicating a probability of above-normal maximum temperatures nationwide, particularly in Central and Western India.
The readiness of the health sector was assessed, focusing on the availability of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and drinking water.
Special attention was given to the timely dissemination of crucial Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material, particularly in regional languages, through various media platforms such as television, radio, and social media. Considering the expected hotter-than-normal summer coinciding with the General Elections, there was a suggestion to translate advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) into regional languages for wider distribution.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive government approach, stressing collaboration among all levels of government – Central, State, and District – as well as various ministries. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness and ensuring hospital preparedness, including swift detection and containment of forest fires.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and the National Disaster Management Authority.
