Health Minister Prakash Abitkar Urges Comprehensive Measures to Combat Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 27th January 2025: Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has called for comprehensive action to address the rising cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune and surrounding areas.
Speaking at a review meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, the minister directed officials to identify the root causes of the outbreak, conduct water quality testing, increase awareness campaigns, and encourage those exhibiting symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Minister Abitkar emphasized that while the recovery rate from GBS is high, proactive measures and public awareness are essential to curb the spread and prevent panic.
Key Directives from the Meeting
- Water Source Testing:
- Water samples from affected areas, including private and government water tankers, should be collected and tested for contamination.
- The Food and Drug Administration Department has been instructed to analyze bottled water samples.
- Municipal health departments will inspect water sold in jars.
- Surveys and Awareness:
- Door-to-door surveys in affected areas will continue.
- Awareness campaigns will highlight preventive measures such as boiling water, maintaining hygiene, and boosting immunity.
- Tracking and Reporting:
- Proper records of GBS patients must be maintained to track the cause of the disease.
- Daily updates on new cases and recoveries should be reported to relevant authorities.
- Liaison officers will be appointed to coordinate with hospitals treating GBS patients.
Current Situation and Statistics
As of now, 111 confirmed cases of GBS have been reported, with 10 additional suspected cases under observation at Sassoon Hospital. The majority of cases have emerged from Sinhagad Road, Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, Nandedgaon, Nanded City, Dhayari, and Ambegaon within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. Some cases have also been identified in Pimpri-Chinchwad and other districts.
Minister Abitkar assured citizens that most patients are recovering well, with only a few requiring ventilator support.
Municipal Corporation’s Actions
Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale detailed the measures undertaken by the PMC, including intensified water testing, awareness drives, and coordination with healthcare facilities.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil, State Health Services Director Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, and other health department representatives.
Health Minister’s Appeal to Citizens
Minister Abitkar urged citizens not to panic and to adhere to safety measures. “Boiling water, improving immunity, and ensuring clean water are crucial steps to prevent GBS. Public awareness is key to overcoming this challenge,” he said.
