Delhi Health Minister inspects H1N1 preparedness at Indira Gandhi Hospital
New Delhi, Aug 27 (IANS) Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh inspected the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka, in view of the rising number of H1N1 cases in the national capital and reviewed the preparedness of the hospital and the Health Department, an official said on Thursday.
The Health Minister inspected the special H1N1 isolation ward and reviewed arrangements for the treatment and care of patients.
Pankaj Kumar Singh also interacted with doctors, healthcare workers and patients, and took stock of the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, fluids, testing facilities and other essential medical infrastructure.
The Minister reviewed the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material being used as part of the awareness and outreach campaign to ensure that timely and accurate information regarding H1N1 prevention, symptoms and precautions reaches the public.
In view of the situation, Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh has been closely monitoring preparedness across Delhi government hospitals and ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place.
Speaking after the inspection, the Health Minister said, “I want to assure the people of Delhi that there is absolutely no need for panic.”
“The Delhi government and the Health Department are fully prepared. Our doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and other healthcare workers are fully alert and working with complete seriousness and dedication,” he added.
Pankaj Kumar Singh said that his visit to Indira Gandhi Hospital was part of the Delhi government’s continued effort to assess preparedness on the ground.
“A special isolation ward has been arranged for H1N1 patients at the hospital. Adequate arrangements have been made for oxygen, medicines, fluids, testing and other essential medical facilities. We are continuously reviewing hospital preparedness and ensuring that there is no gap in patient care,” he added.
The hospital has also established a dedicated Swine Flu/H1N1 Clinic where suspected patients will first be examined and diagnosed for H1N1.
Patients found to be infected will subsequently be shifted to the dedicated H1N1 ward for further treatment and care.
Emphasising the seriousness with which the Health Department is monitoring the situation, the Health Minister said, “These inspections will continue. I am personally monitoring the situation and regularly inspecting hospitals. Senior Health Department officials and Medical Superintendents/Medical Directors have been directed to ensure complete preparedness, and I may visit any hospital at any time as required.”
The Health Minister said that the Health Department had also made advance arrangements to deal with any possible increase in cases.
“We have created a special ward so that patients can be accommodated in case of any emergency. Even if the number of patients increases, we have further arrangements and a plan in place. Our focus is to remain prepared for every possible situation and ensure timely and proper treatment,” Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh added.
–IANS
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