New Delhi, Aug 18 - The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has prepared guidelines for private hospital to manage the rising number of A(H1N1) influenza cases.

'The guidelines spell out the steps required for containing the spread of H1N1, that is, sampling and segregation, testing and treatment. This document is being circulated to the union and state governments,' it said in a statement Tuesday.

Moreover, the private sector hospital members of the FICCI Health Services Committee have come forward and are willing to support the government in its effort to tackle the disease by making their hospitals and laboratories available at reasonable costs.

The FICCI also said that most private hospitals are modifying their physical infrastructure to be used for examining the H1N1 suspects and making provision for dedicated intensive care unit that can be used in a pandemic situation.

The private sector laboratories are upgrading their infrastructure with the requisite equipments and kits needed for H1N1 testing.

'With the resources in public hospitals and laboratories stretched to the limit, it's imperative that both government and the public look at the private hospitals for treatment and diagnosis,' the industry body said.