Nadda Reviews H1N1 Preparedness Across India

• JP Nadda reviews H1N1 preparedness with focus on Delhi
• Centre stresses robust surveillance and early detection of influenza cases
• Hospitals asked to ensure adequate beds, oxygen, ventilators and medicines
• States urged to intensify public awareness and preparedness against seasonal diseases

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Aug: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday reviewed the country’s preparedness to tackle H1N1 influenza, directing officials to maintain heightened vigilance, strengthen surveillance systems and ensure healthcare facilities remain fully prepared to manage seasonal influenza cases. Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the review meeting.

The Health Minister assessed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, including trends in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), along with testing capacity, laboratory surveillance and the preparedness of healthcare institutions.

Emphasising the need for continuous monitoring, Shri Nadda called for robust surveillance, early identification of unusual increases in influenza cases and timely clinical management to prevent the spread of infection.

Special attention was given to healthcare preparedness in the National Capital, where the availability of hospital beds, intensive care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, diagnostic services, essential medicines and other critical medical supplies was reviewed. The Minister stressed the importance of maintaining adequate surge capacity and seamless referral systems for patients requiring specialised or critical care.

He also directed authorities to further strengthen early detection, timely testing and appropriate treatment of influenza cases through effective utilisation of the country’s existing surveillance and laboratory network.

The Ministry noted that the Union Health Secretary had already written to all States and Union Territories on July 10, 2026, advising them to enhance preparedness for Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) and ensure healthcare facilities remain equipped to respond to seasonal outbreaks.

Highlighting the importance of preventive measures, Shri Nadda urged people to follow respiratory and hand hygiene practices and advised individuals experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs to seek medical attention without delay.

The Union Health Minister also reviewed preparedness for other seasonal diseases, including Dengue and Malaria, and urged State Governments to adopt a proactive approach with active involvement of municipal bodies and public representatives in spreading awareness on disease prevention and control.

Referring to the improvement in tuberculosis detection in Delhi through coordinated government efforts, Shri Nadda emphasised that community participation and dissemination of evidence-based information are critical to strengthening public health responses.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said it will continue close coordination with States, Union Territories, hospitals and laboratories to ensure effective surveillance, early detection, timely treatment and sustained preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1.