The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged States and Union Territories to strengthen preparedness in view of heatwave conditions expected during the upcoming summer months.

In a letter written to the Chief Secretaries of States and UTs, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Punya Salila Srivastava said that above-normal heatwave days are likely from April to June 2026 across parts of East, Central and North-West India, as well as the South-East Peninsula, based on forecasts by the India Meteorological Department.

The Ministry has directed States and UTs to operationalise dedicated heat stroke management units at all health facilities, ensure preparedness of ambulance services, disseminate early warnings and maintain real-time reporting of heat stroke cases on the IHIP portal.