New Delhi: The Delhi government has ordered an extra 1000 beds for public hospitals to treat dengue patients following the suicide of a couple whose seven-year-old son died after allegedly being refused treatment at a number of city hospitals.

The Indian capital's Health Minister Satyendra​ Jain​ said last week that authorities would take immediate steps to curb the spread of dengue and boost treatment for patients.

A doctor collects a blood sample to be tested for dengue at a fever clinic run by a government hospital in New Delhi, India on Thursday. Credit:AP

There have been 1259 dengue cases recorded in the city so far this year – the highest number since 2009 when 1512 cases were reported. Doctors say the number of cases of the mosquito-borne viral infection are likely to be much higher as many go unreported.

Mr Jain ordered 1000 new beds to be purchased by the middle of this week.