Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena tested positive for swine flu and was admitted to the Medical ICU at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late on Tuesday night, as Rajasthan grapples with a sharp year-on-year surge in H1N1 influenza cases. The minister's admission has put the state's health machinery on alert amid a broader seasonal flu uptick across northern India.

Minister's Condition and Hospital Response

Dr. Meena was placed in Bed No. 2 of the Medical ICU after his condition deteriorated. As a precautionary infection-control measure, the bed has been sealed. SMS Hospital authorities have since constituted a dedicated medical team to continuously monitor his condition and administer required treatment.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma telephoned Dr. Meena to enquire about his well-being and also sought a health update from the minister's brother, Jagmohan Meena. The Chief Minister separately instructed Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, Principal of SMS Medical College, to ensure the minister receives the best possible care.

Rajasthan's H1N1 Case Count — An Eight-Fold Rise

According to health department data, Rajasthan recorded 129 swine flu cases in the first 15 days of August 2026 alone. During the same period last year, only 16 cases were reported — marking an increase of nearly eight times year-on-year. Notably, no deaths due to swine flu have been reported in the state so far this year.

Health experts have indicated that the current infections follow the seasonal pattern of H1N1 influenza and are not being attributed to a new virus or strain. Nevertheless, officials have advised sustained surveillance and preparedness given the recent spike.

Government's Preparedness Measures

Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar chaired a meeting with department officials on Tuesday to review monitoring measures for seasonal diseases, including swine flu. After learning of Dr. Meena's diagnosis, Khinvsar spoke to him directly and directed doctors to provide immediate and appropriate treatment.

Hospitals across the state have been instructed to keep isolation beds and other necessary arrangements in readiness. Health authorities have also intensified surveillance following reports of rising flu cases in neighbouring states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Political Reactions

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra expressed concern over the minister's health in a post on X and wished him a speedy recovery. Supporters of Dr. Meena have similarly conveyed wishes for his quick recuperation.

With the seasonal flu window typically extending through September, Rajasthan's health department faces pressure to contain transmission while managing a high-profile hospitalisation that has amplified public awareness of the outbreak.