Delhi reports 138 H1N1 cases; hospitals asked to reserve isolation beds

Delhi recorded 138 H1N1 cases in the past 24 hours, taking this year’s total to 2,446, while Influenza-A cases have reached 3,177.

At a virtual review with medical directors and hospital superintendents on Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh asked government hospitals to reserve at least five isolation beds each. Larger hospitals should have provisions for 10 or more beds.

Emergency departments have been told to establish or strengthen dedicated flu corners, with senior residents assigned to emergency duties. Suspected patients are to be assessed promptly, with swab samples collected where clinically indicated. Hospitals must also keep viral transport medium, respiratory testing supplies and essential medicines in stock, using local procurement if needed.

The review called for shift-wise rosters to keep doctors and medical staff available round the clock, with children and older patients identified for timely assessment and care.

Singh said most patients had reported mild fever and common symptoms before recovering within a day or two. Residents with influenza-like symptoms, particularly those in vulnerable groups, have been advised to seek medical advice promptly rather than self-medicate. Testing and treatment are available at government hospitals, health facilities and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across Delhi.