Uttar Pradesh makes H1N1 tests free at government hospitals after 685 cases

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered free H1N1 testing at all state government health facilities on Wednesday, following 685 confirmed cases of the virus reported in the state as of that day. The directive also caps charges at private healthcare institutions, which must not exceed the prescribed fee for H1N1 tests. Hospitals were ordered to maintain adequate medicine, testing, and isolation facilities, and prepare separate ICU wards for serious patients, with intensified surveillance in districts reporting higher case numbers. Officials were instructed to strengthen public awareness and provide accurate information to prevent panic, while emphasizing hand hygiene and cough precautions. Special attention was directed toward children, pregnant women, people over 65, and those with pre-existing illnesses, with mild cases advised home rest and self-isolation.