JOIN USNinety-six fresh cases of swine flu were reported on Monday taking the total number of cases to 2,337 this season.
“Of 668 tests conducted on Monday, 96 tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The total number of cases this season is 2,337. No deaths have been,” said Dr S K Sharma, Director, Directorate of Health Services.
The government last week had issued guidelines to the seven private laboratories authorised to conduct tests to only test category C patients or those who have been hospitalised with swine flu symptoms. The private laboratories are, however, violating the guideline and entertaining walk-in patients.
According to a senior DHS official, the private laboratories were called for a meeting and asked to adhere to the guideline. However, no action has been taken against the labs violating the government directives.
Currently, swine flu samples can be tested at seven private labs and three government labs.
So far, the capital has seen nine deaths. Though one death has not been confirmed by the DHS, the Lok Nayak Hospital administration confirmed the death of a pregnant woman due to swine flu.
The DHS had also mentioned plans of issuing licences to a few more private laboratories for conducting swine flu tests. However, the proposal has now been put on halt as it would unnecessarily spread panic, said the senior official.
The government’s plan of upgrading two more government laboratories has also not taken off till now.
Meanwhile, 40 more chemists have been issued licences to sell Tamiflu drugs after reports surfaced in the media on the non-availability of swine flu drugs. The drugs have also been made available through the branches of Delhi Medical Association, according to the DHS.