Parliament Question: Impact of El Nino on Health

GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 3426 TO BE ANSWERED ON07.08.2026 IMPACTOFELNINO ONHEALTH 3426. DR. D RAVIKUMAR: Will the MINISTER OFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFAREbe pleased tostate:- (a) whether the Government has assessed the likely impact of El Niño on heat-related illnesses inTamil Nadu, if so, the detailsthereof; (b) whether any heat action plans have been issued by the Government to the States in this regard,if so, the detailsthereof; (c) the measures taken by the Government to strengthen public health facilities to manage heatstroke anddehydrationin the said State;and (d) the detailsof financial andtechnicalassistance providedtoTamil Nadu inthisregards? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) to (d): The Government monitors the potential health impacts associated with extreme heatincluding those thatmayarise due toclimaticphenomena such asElNiño inconjunction with weatherforecasts issued bythe India Meteorological Department (IMD). El Niño conditions may contribute to above-normal temperatures and prolonged heat episodes, thereby increasing the risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke particularlyamongvulnerable populationssuch aselderly, pregnantwomen, children,persons with chronic diseases andoutdoor workers. The Government issued National Action Plan on Heat Related illnesses which provides detailed guidance on clinical management workflow, preparedness of health facilities and health sector on heat related matter. The details of the Action Plan may be seen at the following link: https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/uploads/pdf/heat12.pdf ) Under National Health Mission (NHM), the Government provides technical and financial support to States/UTs for strengthening their healthcare systems based on the proposals submitted by them in their Program Implementation Plans, subject to norms & availability of resources. The details of the central assistance may be seen at the Link: https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=1377&lid=744. Under NPCCHH, activities are targeted towards priority climate sensitive health issues including extreme heat.Measures takenby the Government to strengthen public health facilitiestomanage heatstroke anddehydrationcases includinginthe State of TamilNadu are atAnnexure. *****ANNEXURE Measures taken by the Government to strengthen public health facilities to manage heatstroke anddehydrationcases including theStateof Tamil Nadu: i. National Heat-RelatedIllness Surveillanceinitiatedon Integrated HealthInformation Platform(IHIP)reportingfrom States/UT. ii. Issuing seasonal advisories andstandard treatment protocols. iii. Guidelines have been developed on Emergency Cooling for Severe Heat-Related Illnesses. iv. Conduct of Clinical training of physicians and paediatricians in management workflow of heatstroke cases. v. In-person District Nodal Officers’ training were conducted for clinical management, surveillance reportingof HRI andimplementation of healthsector activities. vi. Virtual refresher training sessions were conducted for State, District nodal officers under NPCCHH, on health facility preparedness, HRI management and surveillance reporting. vii. Nation-wide virtual webinars on Clinical Aspects of Heat-Related Illnesses for Physician, Paediatricians, Medical Officers and State and District Public Health Officialswere organized. viii.Information, education and communication (IEC) material on vulnerable population for prevention of heat-related illnesses is disseminated to States/UTs including the Stateof Tamil Nadu. ix. Heat Action Day (June 2) and World Environment Day (June 5) were observed to engage various community and social media platforms for enhanced heat-health awareness. x. Customized color-coded alert messages based on IMD’s warning are circulated during the season every dayto State andDistrict levelnodal officers inallStates and districts inclusive of Tamil Nadu for further dissemination to health care facilities andaction. xi. State Government of Tamil Nadu ensures adequate stocks of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), Intravenous (IV) fluids, emergency medicines and other logistics at health facilities. xii. Establishing triage andprompt referral mechanismsfor severe heatstroke cases. xiii.Strengtheningemergency response through 108ambulanceservices. *****