Centre issues advisory, hospitals stay on alert:Hypothermia declared a medical emergency as day-night temperature gap touches 21.1 degrees

The state is experiencing a sharp drop in temperatures as December and January bring the possibility of a cold wave. In response, the Health Department has heightened vigilance across the state. With temperatures expected to fall by 5–7°C, all government and private medical colleges and hospitals have been placed on alert. To ensure no negligence, detailed guidelines have been issued to medical college deans, Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs), and civil surgeons. These directives are based on public health advisories from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Government of India. During cold waves, illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite can be life-threatening. Therefore, the guidelines emphasise not only medical treatment but also public awareness and protection of vulnerable groups. High-risk groups include: Key health advisories: Extreme temperature difference alarming in Bhopal On Wednesday, Bhopal recorded a daytime temperature of 26.6°C and a night-time low of 5.1°C, a difference of 21.1°C. According to Dr. R.K. Barve, retired surgeon and specialist at J.P. Hospital, such a large day-night temperature gap is concerning for health. Exposure to sunlight during the day and cold winds at night may increase the risk of skin infections. Hypothermia: rapid drop in body temperature Hypothermia is a medical condition where the body temperature falls dangerously below normal (around 37°C), reaching 35°C or lower. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce. Hypothermia affects the heart, brain, and other organs, and without timely treatment, it can be fatal. Medical emergency definition:A situation posing an immediate serious threat to life, organs, or health, where even minor delay or negligence in treatment can be deadly.