New Delhi, August 26: Delhi’s Health Minister, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, conducted a virtual review meeting with medical directors and superintendents of various government hospitals on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to assess the preparedness for H1N1, seasonal influenza, and other respiratory illnesses. Health Secretary, Special Secretary, and senior officials from the health department were also present.
The focus of the meeting was to strengthen emergency services in hospitals and ensure the availability of isolation beds, doctors, testing facilities, essential medicines, and other critical resources.
In the past 24 hours, Delhi reported 138 new H1N1 cases, bringing the total for 2026 to 2,446. Additionally, there have been 3,177 recorded cases of Influenza A in the city.
All hospitals have been instructed to maintain at least five isolation beds, while larger hospitals are required to have ten or more beds for managing influenza and vector-borne diseases.
The minister emphasized the need for hospitals to ensure a 24-hour availability of doctors and medical staff, with a focus on children and the elderly. Hospitals were directed to ensure timely examinations and appropriate care for vulnerable patient groups.
Dr. Singh also instructed hospitals to establish dedicated ‘Flu Corners’ in emergency departments and deploy senior resident doctors for emergency duties. Suspected patients exhibiting symptoms should be tested immediately, and swab samples should be sent for analysis where necessary. Hospitals must ensure an adequate supply of Viral Transport Medium (VTM) and other necessary materials for respiratory sample collection and testing.
The meeting also reviewed the availability of medicines in hospitals. Hospital administrations were instructed to provide regular reports on essential medicines and ensure sufficient stock. Where necessary, hospitals were advised to procure essential medicines locally to avoid any disruptions in patient care.
The minister stressed the importance of raising awareness about influenza symptoms, precautions, and necessary behaviors for proper treatment by displaying clear and visible banners with essential information for patients and their companions. This material should be prominently displayed in emergency departments and crowded areas to educate the public about influenza symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking timely medical advice.
After the meeting, Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh stated that the purpose of the review was to further strengthen hospital preparedness and ensure that every facility is fully equipped to handle any situation without causing unnecessary panic among the public.
He added that the meeting was not just about issuing directives but involved a comprehensive review of hospital readiness. Our doctors and medical teams are working diligently. We have assessed the availability of beds, testing facilities, medications, and emergency services to ensure no compromise in patient care.
The health minister urged all citizens of Delhi to remain vigilant but reassured them that there is no need for panic. He reiterated the importance of respiratory hygiene, proper mask-wearing, handwashing, exercising caution while coughing or sneezing, and avoiding crowded places, especially if symptomatic. Citizens exhibiting flu-like symptoms, particularly those in high-risk groups, are advised to consult a doctor immediately and avoid self-medication.
The health department is continuously monitoring influenza trends and hospital preparedness, focusing on timely testing, adequate isolation capacity, availability of essential medicines, and uninterrupted emergency services. Testing and treatment facilities are also available at Delhi’s government hospitals, health centers, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, so there is no need for citizens to panic.
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