No need to panic, says Delhi health minister as H1N1 tally climbs to 2,446

The national capital recorded 138 fresh H1N1 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases reported this year to 2,446, while Influenza-A cases reached 3,177, the Delhi government said on Wednesday, August 26.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh held a virtual review meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of Delhi government hospitals to assess their preparedness to deal with H1N1, seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

Singh directed hospitals to strengthen emergency services and ensure adequate availability of isolation beds, doctors, testing facilities, medicines and other essential supplies.

Hospitals have been asked to maintain at least five isolation beds, while larger hospitals have been directed to keep 10 or more beds for managing influenza and vector-borne disease cases.

They have also been instructed to maintain shift-wise duty rosters and ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors and medical staff.

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, officials said.

Hospitals were also asked to maintain adequate stocks of Viral Transport Medium and other supplies required for respiratory specimen collection and testing.

Special attention has been directed towards children and elderly patients, with hospitals asked to ensure their timely assessment and appropriate care.

The health department also reviewed the availability of medicines and directed hospital administrations to submit regular reports on stocks of essential drugs. Local procurement has been advised wherever necessary to prevent any disruption in patient care.

Hospitals were further instructed to display clear 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 remained equipped to respond effectively and that 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 and hand hygiene, cough etiquette and appropriate mask use. People were also advised to 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 at government hospitals, health facilities and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, it added.

(With inputs from PTI)