Online Desk: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has said all the hospitals across the country are directed to be prepared in the awake of health risks associated with ongoing severe heat wave that sweeps over the country.

Besides, the hospitals have been asked to admit only the patients with emergency needs.

The minister told this while talking to the directors and civil surgeons in different hospitals  across the country at a virtual meeting held at the Secretariat in the capital on Sunday.

The government has decided to keep all schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical education institutions across the country closed from April 21 to 27 due to a heat wave sweeping over the country.

Responding to a question, the minister said if the severe heat wave continues the time would be extended.

Meanwhile, very severe heat wave has gripped parts of the country with maximum temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Celsius to over 42 degrees Celsius in some areas.

He said the elderly persons and children are very much vulnerable during the severe heat wave so he urged to refrain from going out unless necessary due to the intense heat and to take precautions on their health related issues.