New Delhi, August 13: The Delhi government on Wednesday directed all private hospitals in the city to keep at least 10 beds with isolation facilities for treating H1N1 influenza patients.
The decision, taken under the Epidemic Diseases Act, comes after days of discussion with private healthcare providers on a day eight more tested positive for H1N1 flu.
The number of confirmed cases is now 312.
Principal Secretary (Health) J P Singh said three patients admitted at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital are critical and have been put on ventilator support. “We are monitoring their condition constantly,” he said.
Among them is a 22-year-old NRI from Saudi Arabia, suffering from hypertension and renal problem, and an eight-year-old with respiratory problem.
Health officials said seven patients are under treatment in different hospitals.
Health Minister Kiran Walia said, “All hospitals with bed strength of more than 200 will have to create an isolation ward with 10 beds. It has been made mandatory for all non-government hospitals to create isolation wards. While we have the number of beds necessary as of now, we want to ensure we can handle the situation if there is a sudden increase in H1N1 cases.”
There are 200 beds reserved for H1N1 flu patients in 11 different government hospitals.
Minister’s children recovering Delhi Food and Supply Minister Haroon Yusuf’s daughter and son, who tested positive with H1N1 virus on Tuesday, have been advised home quarantine, health department officials said. Both study in Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri.
Six children from the school have tested positive for swine flu so far; the school has been closed till August 17.
Dadwal tests negativeMeanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal’s sample tested negative for H1N1 influenza today. The sample was sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases on Tuesday.
The police chief has tested positive for Influenza A, or the normal flu, officials said.
“He has recovered from viral infection and is looking after Independence Day preparations,” Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said. Sources said Dadwal had complained of cough and cold on Sunday night and took leave on Monday and Tuesday.
-Agencies