GDN: DOCTORS yesterday said they continued to treat dozens of people for heat exhaustion at Salmaniya Medical Complex, calling for precautionary measures to avoid any serious cases.
There have been no serious cases so far and no one has been reported with a heat stroke, said Accident and Emergency Department chief resident Dr P V Cheriyan.
"However, temperatures over the weekend are expected to cross 43 degrees C," he said.
"Most of the cases are being reported by 1pm, which means the cases took place before the afternoon work ban that had been enforced since July 1.
"We had more than 40 people being treated on July 11, the largest on a single day so far, but the numbers have been less in the days after that."
He said more than 15 people were treated yesterday and a similar number on Wednesday.
"With a little bit of extra care, even these numbers can be avoided," said Dr Cheriyan.
He urged companies to provide workers with enough drinking water and salt supplements as well as shaded rest areas.
"Most companies are following guidelines, but there are others who don't," said Dr Cheriyan.
He said the Labour Ministry was also taking pro-active steps to ensure the health of workers.
Dr Cheriyan said, typically, heat exhaustion victims suffer from severe dehydration, cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment
The afternoon work ban aims to prevent all outdoor work between midday and 4pm until August 31.
It is in line with the efforts to protect the health of workers and ensure they get adequate rest during hot summer months, according to Labour Ministry officials.
Companies that violate the ban could be fined up to BD300 per worker caught flouting the ban.
Dr Cheriyan earlier said heat stroke resulted from untreated heat exhaustion and was a medical emergency that could be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
Meanwhile, a Civil Aviation Affairs Meteorology Directorate official said that temperatures would peak at around 43 degrees C today, with humidity levels reaching around 85 per cent.
"The temperatures are expected to hover around that mark for a few days, with severe heat wave conditions prevailing," he said.
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