Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda conducted a comprehensive review of H1N1 influenza preparedness in India on August 21, 2026, with particular focus on the National Capital Region. Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting. The Minister assessed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, including Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) trends, testing protocols, laboratory surveillance capabilities, and healthcare facility preparedness for managing seasonal influenza cases.
Nadda emphasized the need for continued vigilance, robust surveillance systems, and proactive preparedness measures, specifically calling for close monitoring of influenza trends and timely identification and management of any unusual increase or clustering of cases. The review included assessment of healthcare facilities in Delhi, examining availability of hospital beds, critical care facilities, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, essential medicines, diagnostics, and other critical medical supplies. The Minister stressed the importance of maintaining adequate surge capacity and establishing seamless referral mechanisms, particularly for patients requiring specialized or critical care.
The Union Health Minister called for strengthened early detection systems, timely testing procedures, and appropriate clinical management of influenza cases, utilizing the existing surveillance and laboratory network effectively. This follows earlier action on July 10, 2026, when the Union Health Secretary had written to all States and Union Territories advising them to strengthen preparedness and surveillance for Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) and ensure healthcare facilities remain adequately prepared.
Nadda emphasized public awareness campaigns and preventive health practices, including promoting respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene, while advising individuals with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty, or other warning signs to seek medical advice promptly. The Minister reiterated that the situation is being closely and continuously monitored, emphasizing the need for sustained and coordinated efforts for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases, including Dengue and Malaria.
The meeting called for a proactive and preparedness-oriented approach by State Governments, with active participation of Municipal Councillors and other local bodies in generating community awareness about prevention, spread, and control of seasonal diseases. Highlighting the successful increase in TB detection in the National Capital through active involvement of local bodies and a whole-of-government approach, the Union Minister stressed the importance of active participation of public representatives at all levels in disseminating factual, evidence-based information and strengthening community engagement. The Ministry continues to coordinate closely with States/UTs, hospitals, laboratories, and other stakeholders to ensure effective surveillance, early detection, timely clinical management, and proactive 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 officers.