<p>Ninety-six fresh cases of swine flu were reported on Monday taking the total number of cases to 2,337 this season.<br /><br />“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.</p>.<p><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Currently, swine flu samples can be tested at seven private labs and three government labs. <br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The government’s plan of upgrading two more government laboratories has also not taken off till now.<br /><br />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.</p>
<p>Ninety-six fresh cases of swine flu were reported on Monday taking the total number of cases to 2,337 this season.<br /><br />“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.</p>.<p><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Currently, swine flu samples can be tested at seven private labs and three government labs. <br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The government’s plan of upgrading two more government laboratories has also not taken off till now.<br /><br />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.</p>
