Delhi steps up H1N1 response as reported cases cross 2,300

Delhi’s reported H1N1 count has crossed 2,300 this year, prompting Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh to review hospital readiness and disease surveillance across the city.

Singh asked the Health Department, MCD, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board to ensure medicines, testing facilities and hospital logistics are available. Lok Nayak Hospital has set up a dedicated H1N1 ward. The department is also strengthening early detection, testing of eligible cases and timely reporting.

Schools have been told to reinforce respiratory and hand hygiene, cleanliness and awareness among students and staff. Singh called for public messaging in high-footfall areas with agencies including the Transport Department and DMRC.

The meeting also reviewed vector-borne illnesses. Delhi has recorded 570 dengue and 215 malaria cases so far this year, with no deaths attributed to either disease. Civic bodies have been asked to focus anti-larval measures, spraying and fogging around schools, hospitals and other public spaces.