Amid a mild but noticeable rise in COVID-19 cases across India, the Delhi government has issued an urgent advisory directing all hospitals and health centres to step up preparedness. The directive, released by the state’s health department on Friday, calls for enhanced readiness in medical infrastructure to deal with any potential escalation in infections.
Beds, Oxygen, and Equipment to Be Ready
The advisory mandates hospitals to ensure availability of beds, oxygen supply, vaccines, and essential medications, alongside the functionality of life-saving equipment such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, Bi-PAP machines, and Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants.
“The hospitals must ensure preparedness in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other drugs and vaccine. All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators and PSA must be in functional condition,” the health advisory stated.
Genome Sequencing and Daily Reporting Mandated
To monitor virus mutations, the Delhi health department has instructed that all positive COVID samples be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing. This will help in tracking any emerging variants of the virus. Additionally, all hospitals and healthcare centres are required to submit daily reports through the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal.
Current Case Count and Response
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, addressing the media, confirmed that 23 active cases have been reported in the national capital as of Thursday, May 22. “We are currently verifying whether these patients are residents of Delhi or have travelled from outside the city,” he noted.
Singh also highlighted that the Delhi government is working in coordination with medical superintendents, doctors, and healthcare staff to maintain a high level of preparedness.
“The Delhi government is fully prepared to deal with any situation, and there is no need for the public to panic,” he assured.
Nationwide Situation: Kerala Leads Case Count
As per the Union Health Ministry, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases nationwide as of May 19. Kerala tops the list of affected states, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi. While the numbers remain low compared to past waves, health experts suggest vigilance and early intervention as key to preventing another surge.
