Amid an increase in swine flu cases, the Delhi Health Department has instructed government hospitals to keep isolation facilities available for patients suffering from influenza and/or vector-borne diseases, officials said on Wednesday.
The directive was issued during a Health Department meeting chaired by Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh with Medical Directors (MDs) and Medical Superintendents (MSs) of various Delhi government hospitals. The meeting focused on preparedness for H1N1, seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Under the directions, government hospitals must maintain a minimum of five isolation beds, while larger hospitals have been asked to keep 10 or more such beds available, according to an official statement.
The minister also directed hospitals to set up Flu Corners in their emergency departments and ensure the deployment of Senior Residents for emergency duties. Patients suspected of having influenza should be assessed without delay, and swab samples should be collected and sent for testing wherever medically required.
Delhi recorded 138 new H1N1 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of H1N1 cases reported in the city during 2026 to 2,446. The cumulative number of Influenza-A cases stood at 3,177, health officials said.
Urging residents to stay alert without panicking, Singh stressed the need for respiratory hygiene, proper mask use, regular hand hygiene and cough etiquette. He also advised people to avoid unnecessary exposure to crowded places, especially when experiencing symptoms.
The Health Department further advised people with influenza-like symptoms, particularly those from vulnerable groups, to seek medical advice at the earliest and refrain from self-medication.
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