As a severe cold wave continues to grip the region, AIIMS-Patna took a proactive step on Friday by organising a special awareness programme. The initiative focused on educating the public about the prevention and management of various health risks associated with the extreme winter conditions.
Directive from the Centre Spurs Action
Executive director Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal stated that the programme was conducted following directives from the central Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The directive came specifically from the director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This move was prompted by the intense cold affecting northern India and its significant impact on public health. Dr Agarwal emphasised the critical need to spread awareness directly to patients and their attendants, engaging with them to offer practical guidance on necessary precautions.
Medical Experts Detail the Dangers
The programme featured detailed insights from senior faculty members of the institute. Prof (Dr) Jyoti Prakash, Head of General Medicine and Registrar, outlined the serious consequences of prolonged exposure to cold waves. He highlighted life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia, heart attacks, and strokes.
Shifting focus to the vulnerable younger population, Prof (Dr) Chandra Mohan Kumar, Head of the Paediatrics department, discussed specific strategies for the prevention and management of cold effects in children.
Dr Anand Kumar Rai, Head of Neurology, provided a concerning observation, noting a noticeable increase in stroke cases linked to the prevailing cold conditions. Other faculty members, including Prof (Dr) Amit Raj (officiating medical superintendent), Dr Anjani Kumar, Dr Narendra Kumar, and Dr Sanjeev Kumar, actively contributed to the public guidance session.
Tangible Steps for Community Awareness
To ensure the message reached a wider audience, the hospital distributed informative pamphlets to patients and their attendants. These pamphlets contained clear lists of dos and don'ts to follow during a cold wave. This tangible resource aims to boost community-wide awareness and ultimately help reduce the health risks posed by the harsh winter weather.
