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MUMBAI: Amid the outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state administration to make special arrangements in government hospitals to ensure timely and adequate treatment for affected patients.
During a weekly cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the Chief Minister reviewed the current ground-level situation through a presentation by the public health department. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a statement affirming that while GBS patients are already receiving treatment, additional provisions will be arranged under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, the state’s health insurance scheme.
Focus on Pune Hotspots
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar informed that patients in Pune city are being treated at the Kamla Nehru Hospital under the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital under the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasized that GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder and is non-contagious. “A review has been conducted in Pune. Necessary instructions for treatment and examinations have been issued, and actions are being implemented by the Public Health Department,” he said.
The health minister revealed that Pune has reported 111 cases, with 80 of them concentrated within a 5-km radius. Over 35,000 houses and 94,000 citizens in the area have been tested with assistance from the National Institute of Virology (NIV). While one death has been reported, it has not been conclusively linked to GBS.
Preventive and Monitoring Measures
Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif instructed the administration to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of GBS. Daily updates on patient numbers are to be submitted to the Commissioner of Medical Education and Research Department.
Mushrif also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about preventive measures, stressing that the health system must ensure the availability of medicines and equipment.
The Public Health Department has deployed a rapid response team to the affected area and increased surveillance efforts. So far, 44 stool samples tested at NIV Pune have not revealed the presence of an enteric virus panel linked to the disease.
Understanding GBS
GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, trouble walking, and, in severe cases, paralysis. It is often preceded by an infection, including prolonged diarrhea.
The public health department has appealed to citizens to visit government hospitals immediately if they experience symptoms. Preventive measures include drinking boiled water, consuming fresh and clean food, maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding cross-contamination between cooked and uncooked foods.
Disclaimer:
This article provides information based on statements from government authorities and the public health department. For medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a licensed healthcare professional.
