File photo of Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
Health Minister JP Nadda today visited Safdarjung and RML hospitals in Delhi to review the prepardness to deal with swine flu and asked them not to deny treatment to any H1N1 patient.
The Union minister said that the number of beds earmarked for H1N1 influenza patients has been increased "substantially" while doctors, nurses and other health workers dealing with swine flu patients are being vaccinated.
"Visited Safdarjung Hospital and RML Hospital in Delhi today, reviewed preparedness to handle H1N1 influenza."
"Number of beds earmarked for H1N1 influenza patients increased substantially in both RML and Safdarjung hospitals. Issued instructions to these two hospitals not to deny treatment to any H1N1 patient," Mr Nadda said in a series of tweets.
He said that the number of beds earmarked for swine flu patients will also be increased further and instructed officials to admit patients if they are required to be taken in.
"If required the number of beds earmarked for H1N1 patients would be further increased. Issued instructions, H1N1 patients who need to be admitted will be admitted, no shortage of beds," he said.
Mr Nadda also reviewed the availability of medicines and equipments at both the hospitals.
"Reviewed availability of medicines, medical equipment and testing kits for treating H1N1 patients. Docs, nurses and other health care workers dealing with H1N1 patients are being vaccinated at both the hospitals," he said.
In a review meeting held last month, the ministry had also asked the Delhi government to come out with a mechanism to fix rates for testing H1N1 samples to help minimise expenses and stop overcharging of common people.
Mr Nadda had also assured full support to the Delhi government in its efforts to tackle the disease and had emphasised that it was a joint effort between the Centre and the Delhi government to ensure adequate measures are undertaken timely to minimise morbidity and mortality due to influenza A H1N1.
Swine flu had assumed epidemic proportions last season which continued till mid-April this year afflicting over 4,259 people and claiming 12 lives in the city.