The Delhi health department has directed 17 government and five private hospitals here to provide isolation care and treatment to swine flu patients.
The department has swung into action to equip the hospitals to tackle the sudden spurt in swine flu cases. Sixty cases have been reported in the national capital from January 1 to February 7, 2013.
Health Minister A K Walia instructed hospitals to make arrangements for intensive care facilities, ventilators for swine flu patients.
He said there was an immediate need for making arrangements at an optimal level.
Though there is no need to panic, the public should take due precaution against the disease, he said.
Walia advised that symptoms such as high-grade fever, respiratory problems, chest pain and blood in sputum must be reported to hospitals within the first 48 hours.
Diabetic patients, people suffering from chest and lung diseases, pregnant women and young children are among the vulnerable groups.
He said the hospitals are well-prepared for swine flu treatment and have sufficient medicines.