India, Aug. 27 -- With 138 new H1N1 cases reported in Delhi in the past 24 hours, Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh on Wednesday held a virtual review meeting with medical heads of Delhi government hospitals to assess preparedness for seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The latest cases have taken Delhi's cumulative H1N1 count to 2,446 in 2026, while the total number of Influenza-A cases has reached 3,177. The review focused on emergency services, isolation capacity, testing facilities, medicines and round-the-clock medical support. Hospitals were directed to maintain at least five isolation beds, while larger facilities have been asked to keep 10 or more beds available for influenza and vector-borne disease cases. The minister also instructed hospitals to maintain shift-wise duty rosters and ensure doctors and medical staff remain available round the clock. Also Read - Rs 2,500 promise, now in motion Advertisement Special attention was directed towards children and elderly patients, with hospitals asked to ensure their timely assessment and appropriate treatment. The Health Department also instructed hospitals to establish or strengthen dedicated Flu Corners in emergency departments, with Senior Residents assigned to emergency duties. Suspected patients are to be assessed promptly and swab samples sent for testing wherever clinically required. Hospitals were also asked to maintain adequate stocks of Viral Transport Medium (VTM) and other testing supplies. Medicine availability was reviewed during the meeting, with hospital administrations directed to regularly report stock levels and undertake local procurement wherever necessary to avoid interruptions in treatment. Speaking after the meeting, Singh said the review was aimed at ensuring hospitals remain prepared without causing unnecessary concern among residents. "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," he said. Also Read - Waterlogging: PWD, NDMC at odds The minister added that the availability of beds, testing facilities, medicines and emergency services had been reviewed to ensure continuity of patient care. "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 urged residents to remain vigilant and follow respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene and cough etiquette, while avoiding crowded places when symptomatic. People experiencing influenza-like symptoms, particularly those in vulnerable groups, were advised to seek medical attention promptly and avoid self-medication. The Health Department said influenza trends and hospital preparedness would continue to be monitored closely.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.