New Delhi: With H1N1 and seasonal flu cases on the rise, health minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh Wednesday reviewed the preparedness of Delhi govt hospitals, asking their management to maintain at least five isolation beds at each facility, with the provision of 10 or more beds at larger ones.The capital recorded 138 new H1N1 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases this year to 2,446. The number of Influenza-A cases in the city has touched 3,177.During a virtual meeting with medical directors and superintendents of the govt hospitals, Singh stressed the need for round-the-clock availability of doctors and medical staff through shift-wise duty rosters.The hospitals have been directed 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 collected for testing wherever clinically indicated.Adequate stocks of viral transport medium — a liquid solution used to collect, preserve and transport clinical virus specimens from a collection site to a laboratory — and other respiratory testing supplies have been mandated.Hospital administrations have been asked to ensure sufficient stocks of essential medicines and undertake local procurement to avoid any disruption in treatment.The review also focused on timely assessment and care of children and elderly patients identified for special attention.“There is no need for panic,” the minister said, pointing out that most of the patients so far have reported mild fever and other common symptoms before recovering within a day or two. “Delhi govt hospitals are fully prepared to tackle the situation, which is being continuously monitored,” he said.The minister urged Delhiites to remain vigilant and follow basic precautions, including maintaining respiratory and hand hygiene, cough etiquette, appropriate use of masks and avoiding unnecessary exposure to crowded places when symptomatic.People experiencing influenza-like symptoms, especially those from vulnerable groups, have been advised to seek medical advice promptly and avoid self-medication.Testing and treatment facilities are available at govt hospitals, health facilities and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across Delhi, he said.
