On 05 August 2015, the Urban Resource Center held a public forum titled “Heat-Related Deaths and the Lack of Medical Facilities in Emergency Situations,” with Dr. Tipu Sultan as the speaker. The forum focused on the alarming rise in heat-related fatalities during extreme weather conditions in Karachi, highlighting the insufficient emergency medical services and lack of preparedness in the city. Dr. Tipu Sultan discussed the public health risks posed by rising temperatures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. He also emphasized the inadequate infrastructure and response systems in place to address medical emergencies during heatwaves. The session called for improved healthcare facilities, better disaster response protocols, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat and ensure timely medical intervention.

The full report of the forum is available in the attached PDF.