CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu: Considering that the temperature is expected to spike by 3-5 degrees Celsius in many districts across Tamil Nadu, the Department of Health is planning to provide Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Sachets at over 1,000 re-hydration points established by the local bodies. These hydration points have been introduced to provide drinking water to passersby during the current heatwave situation.
Recently, the temperature crossed the 40 degrees Celcius mark in seven districts in Tamil Nadu. This year, the highest temperature has been recorded in the Erode district, where the temperature was 42.4 degrees Celsius. Second in line was the Salem district, where the temperature was 41.9 degrees Celsius, followed by Dharmapuri, with a recorded temperature of 41 degrees Celsius.
Apart from the re-hydration points, the state has also directed 5,000 health facilities in Tamil Nadu to make available ORS sachets to a larger number of people. The Directorate of Public Health has sanctioned ₹2.17 crore to procure ORS sachets until June 30.
On average, each district has set up 15 to 25 hydration points. However, Chennai district has gone well ahead of this by establishing 75 hydration points. The Directorate of Public Health estimated that they will require 88.77 lakh ORS sachets for the next 66 days, each priced at ₹2.5.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary held a review meeting to manage the heatwave situation in the state on April 24. It was decided during the meeting that ORS corners would be established in all district health units to tackle the possible increase in heat-related illnesses.
Similarly, District Health officers have been directed to make available ORS sachets in 5,000 health institutions, including health and wellness centres, primary health care centres, community centres etcetera.