Purna Singh New Delhi

Delhihas intensified disease surveillance as H1N1 cases climbed to 1,777 this year, even as dengue, malaria and chikungunya remain under close watch. The government has assured that hospitals have adequate beds, doctors, medicines and essential equipment to deal with the situation.

A high-level review chaired by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Friday assessed the Capital’s preparedness for influenza and mosquito-borne diseases. Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh presented the latest figures and measures being taken.

Delhi has reported 2,392 Influenza-A cases in 2026 so far, including 1,777 H1N1 cases, 37 H1 cases, 138 H3 cases and 440 cases in other categories.

Singh said there was no shortage of hospital beds, medicines or medical equipment and facilities could be expanded if required. The focus was on early detection, immediate treatment and continuous surveillance, he said.

The Delhi State Health Mission is monitoring influenza-like illness, severe acute respiratory infections and confirmed influenza cases daily through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. Hospitals and district health authorities have been issued protocols covering screening, treatment, ventilator management, mask use and home-based care.

Residents have been advised to maintain respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, wash hands regularly and avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, Delhi has recorded 246 dengue cases, 80 malaria cases and 19 chikungunya cases, with no deaths reported from the three mosquito-borne diseases.

Local bodies have visited over 2.38 crore houses, while spraying has been conducted in around 3.20 lakh houses. Mosquito breeding was detected at 91,217 locations, leading to 74,591 notices and 6,724 cases being registered.

Delhi has 35 sentinel surveillance hospitals, apex referral laboratories at AIIMS and NCDC and a malaria reference laboratory at MAMC. Hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of diagnostic kits, medicines, fluids, blood products and beds.

Singh urged residents not to panic, saying the government was closely monitoring the situation and would strengthen arrangements wherever necessary.