New Delhi: The national capital reported 138 H1N1 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative number of cases this year to 2,446, while the total number of Influenza-A cases stood at 3,177, the Delhi government said on Wednesday.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh held a virtual review meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of Delhi government hospitals to assess preparedness for H1N1, seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The minister directed hospitals to strengthen emergency services and ensure adequate availability of isolation beds, doctors, testing facilities, medicines and other essential resources.
Hospitals were asked to maintain at least five isolation beds, while larger hospitals were directed to keep 10 or more beds for managing influenza and vector-borne disease cases.
They were also told to maintain shift-wise duty rosters and ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors and medical staff.
According to the Delhi government, the city has reported 138 H1N1 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases this year to 2,446. The total number of Influenza-A cases stands at 3,177.
The minister directed hospitals to establish or strengthen dedicated flu corners in emergency departments, with senior residents deployed for emergency duty. Suspected patients should be assessed promptly and swab samples collected and sent for testing wherever clinically indicated.
Hospitals were also asked to ensure adequate stocks of Viral Transport Medium and other supplies required for respiratory specimen collection and testing.
Special emphasis is placed on children and elderly people, with hospitals directed to ensure their timely assessment and appropriate care.
A review of medicine availability was also conducted, with hospital administrations asked to submit regular reports on stocks of essential medicines. Hospitals were advised to undertake local procurement wherever necessary to prevent disruption in patient care.
The health minister also directed hospitals to put up clear and visible banners and information, education and communication material in emergency departments and other high-footfall areas to spread awareness about influenza symptoms, precautions and appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour.
“There is no need for panic. Most of the patients who have come to hospitals so far have presented with mild fever and other common symptoms and have recovered within a day or two. Delhi government hospitals are fully prepared, and our health system is continuously monitoring the situation,” Singh said.
He said the review was aimed at ensuring that hospitals were equipped to respond effectively and there were no gaps in patient care.
“This was not merely a meeting to issue instructions, but a comprehensive review of the preparedness of our hospitals. Our doctors and medical teams are working very hard and doing an excellent job. We have reviewed the availability of beds, testing facilities, medicines and emergency services to ensure that there is no gap in patient care,” the minister said.
He appealed to people to remain vigilant without panicking and follow respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene and cough etiquette, use masks appropriately and avoid unnecessary exposure to crowded places, particularly when symptomatic.
The health department will continue to monitor influenza trends and hospital preparedness, with a focus on timely testing, adequate isolation capacity, availability of essential medicines and uninterrupted emergency services, the government said.
Testing and treatment facilities are available across government hospitals, health facilities and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, it added.
