New Delhi/IBNS: As cases of heatstroke shoot up in several parts of north India due to an intense heatwave, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to central government-run hospitals to treat such patients on priority.

Health Minister JP Nadda has reviewed the situation and the preparedness of government hospitals run by the Centre and directed officials to ensure special heatwave units are started to give patients the best possible care.

With 20 deaths in just three major hospitals in the national capital this summer, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has also released guidelines for people to safeguard themselves against heat strokes and other heat-related issues.

At the state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, 45 patients with heat-related problems have been admitted since May 27.

The hospital has reported nine deaths due to such issues since then and seven of these deaths have taken place over the past two days.

Nine people have also died at the Safdarjung Hospital this summer -- including five on Wednesday -- and two at the Lok Nayak Hospital in the past seven days.

Patients presenting heatstroke symptoms have also been admitted to several other hospitals In the national capital.