Delhi: As Delhi reports a fresh uptick in Covid-19 cases, the city government has issued an advisory to all hospitals and health centres, calling for heightened preparedness. The directive, released on Friday by the health department, instructs facilities to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, vaccines, and essential medicines, while confirming that all critical equipment remains functional.

“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 advisory stated.

The move comes as 23 active Covid-19 cases were reported in the capital as of Thursday. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh addressed the media, saying, “The Delhi government is currently verifying whether these patients are of Delhi or have come from outside the city.”

Hospitals have also been asked to send all positive samples to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing in order to track potential new variants. Additionally, facilities must update the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal daily to ensure real-time information flow.

Singh further added, “The Delhi government is fully prepared to deal with any situation, and there is no need for the public to panic.”

India currently has 257 active Covid cases, according to Union Health Ministry data as of 19 May. Kerala tops the chart, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. The advisory follows this national context of a mild but noticeable increase in cases.

Officials said the Delhi government is already in coordination with medical superintendents, doctors and hospital staff to ensure readiness across the board.

BI Bureau