Jaipur : IIHMR University, in collaboration with the Institute of Economic Growth, successfully convened the Consultation Meeting of the Heat-Health Forum (HHF). Bringing together government officials and experts, the event aimed to deliberate on the pressing issue of heat-related health risks and strategies for preparedness, mitigation, and resilience.
The meeting was graced by the Chief Guest: Mr. Rushabh Hemani CFO a.i., and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Climate & Environment and Emergency Focal Point, UNICEF Rajasthan Office. Dr. P.R. Sodani, President, IIHMR University, presided the consultation meeting.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University, shared, “Climate change and rising temperatures are no longer distant concerns; they are urgent public health challenges. Through the Heat-Health Forum, we aim to foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to develop evidence-based strategies that safeguard communities from the growing risks of heat-related illnesses. This consultation is a step forward in building a resilient and adaptive public health system for the future.”
The day featured two insightful technical sessions on “Physiological and Public Health understanding of Heat-Health Risks” and “Planning, Preparedness, and Implementation of Risk Reduction Strategies”. The consultation emerged as an engaging forum for open exchange of ideas and fostering professional connections.
Dr. Purnamita Dasgupta, Professor and Head, Environmental & Resource Economics Unit, Institute of Economic Growth, provided an overview of the objectives of the forum and study.
More than 60 delegates from different department of Government, Faculty from prominent universities, engineering colleges, meteorological department Civil society, experts and planners joint in the consultation meeting. Their inputs and suggestions have helped to prepare the action plan for Heat-Health and also shown a direction to form a heat-heath forum at Rajasthan.
The event concluded with a brief overview of the consultation by Dr. Goutam Sadhu, Professor, IIHMR University, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Arindam Das, IIHMR University.
