Ajit Pawar Reviews Covid-19 Preparedness in Pune Division, Emphasizes Protection for High-Risk Groups

Pune, 14th June 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar conducted a comprehensive review of the Covid-19 situation in the Pune division during a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan on Saturday. He directed health and civic authorities to remain vigilant and work in close coordination, especially to safeguard vulnerable populations including the elderly and individuals with co-morbid conditions.

“Even mild symptoms should not be ignored, particularly in the case of senior citizens and those with underlying health issues. The Health Department, Municipal Corporations and local bodies must ensure seamless coordination,” Pawar instructed officials during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by top administrative and health officials including Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Navalkishore Ram, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Kolhapur Municipal Commissioner K. Manjulakshmi, Health Services Director Dr. Vijay Kandewad, and collectors from Kolhapur, Satara, Solapur, and Sangli, among others. The review was also joined by Zilla Parishad CEOs, district surgeons, and health officers via video conferencing.

Dr. Vijay Kandewad presented an overview of the current Covid-19 variants detected in the region. “We are primarily observing subtypes of the Omicron variant—JN, XFG, and GF7-9—which typically lead to mild symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat,” he said. However, he noted that people with diabetes, cancer, immunocompromised conditions, and other comorbidities are at an increased risk of complications.

Precautionary guidelines were reiterated: avoiding crowded places, maintaining hygiene, wearing masks, and seeking timely medical attention in case of respiratory issues.

Ajit Pawar also directed district health officials to ensure preparedness ahead of the Wari pilgrimage, which draws large gatherings. “Hospitals must be fully equipped and on alert to manage any sudden rise in infections,” he added. The authorities were asked to keep a continuous flow of data on Covid-related developments.

Dr. Prashant Wadikar, Assistant Director of Health Services, along with senior health officers and medical staff, were also present and briefed on operational readiness.