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Union minister for health and family welfare, JP Nadda, reviewed the prevailing situation and preparedness for H1N1 influenza in the country, with particular focus on the National Capital. Delhi health minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting.
The Union health minister reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) trends, testing and laboratory surveillance, and preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases. Nadda emphasised the need for continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, with close monitoring of influenza trends and timely identification and management of any unusual increase or clustering of cases.
The preparedness of healthcare facilities in Delhi was reviewed, including the availability of hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostics, and other critical supplies. The Minister stressed the importance of adequate surge capacity and seamless referral mechanisms, particularly for patients requiring specialised or critical care.
The Union health minister called for continued strengthening of early detection, timely testing and appropriate clinical management of influenza cases, along with effective utilisation of the existing surveillance and laboratory network. Nadda also emphasised public awareness and preventive health practices, including respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene, and advised individuals with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs to seek medical advice promptly.
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