New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS): The Delhi health department will train workers in government and private hospitals to tackle the rising number of swine flu cases, an official said Friday.

The government has planned to set up special out patients departments in authorised hospitals to separately treat people suspected to be suffering from swine flu.

"The Delhi health secretary has directed officials to work for swine flu patients on priority basis and make people aware about it," a senior health official told IANS.

Delhi has reported a total of 41 cases of swine flu since last year with one death at Sir Ganga Ram hospital Dec 26.

The decision was taken at a meeting held by the health department with representatives from laboratories, government and private hospitals here.

There were representatives from 17 government and five private hospitals along with eight private laboratories.

The official said volunteers will visit the interior parts of Delhi to educate people about swine flu.