New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda reviewed the country’s preparedness to deal with H1N1 influenza, with particular attention to the situation in the National Capital. Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh also participated in the review meeting.
During the meeting, Nadda took stock of the national influenza surveillance and epidemiological situation, including trends in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). He also reviewed testing facilities, laboratory surveillance and the preparedness of healthcare institutions to handle seasonal influenza cases.
The Union Minister called for continuous surveillance, heightened vigilance and advance preparedness, stressing the importance of closely tracking disease trends and promptly detecting any unusual rise or clustering of cases.
The preparedness of healthcare facilities across Delhi was also examined. This included the availability of hospital beds, critical-care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostic facilities and other medical supplies. Nadda emphasised the need to maintain sufficient surge capacity and effective referral arrangements for patients requiring specialised or critical care.
He directed authorities to further strengthen early identification, timely testing and appropriate treatment of influenza cases while making optimum use of the existing surveillance and laboratory network.
The review follows an advisory issued by the Union Health Secretary on July 10, 2026, to all States and Union Territories, urging them to reinforce surveillance and preparedness for Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) and ensure that healthcare facilities remain adequately equipped.
Nadda also highlighted the importance of public awareness and preventive measures, particularly respiratory and hand hygiene. People experiencing persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, difficulty in breathing or other warning signs were advised to seek medical attention without delay.
The Health Minister said the government is keeping the situation under continuous observation and stressed that coordinated action is essential not only for seasonal influenza but also for diseases such as Dengue and Malaria. He urged state governments to adopt a proactive approach and involve municipal councillors and other local bodies in spreading awareness about prevention, transmission and control of seasonal diseases.
Referring to the increase in TB detection in the National Capital through the involvement of local bodies and a whole-of-government approach, Nadda underlined the importance of public representatives at every level in communicating accurate, evidence-based health information and strengthening community participation.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said it continues to work with States and UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, facilitate early detection and treatment, and maintain preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1.
The meeting was attended by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Additional Secretary (Public Health) Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Delhi State Health Secretary Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur, and other senior officials.