Special Correspondent
Pune: The number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has risen to 101, sparking concern among citizens. Shocking revelations have surfaced regarding the cause of this outbreak. According to Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, 80% of the cases are from areas receiving water supply from wells in the Nanded region. Contaminated water from these wells is suspected to be the primary cause of the increasing cases, as stated by the minister on Monday.
The Health Minister has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation to implement immediate measures to ensure clean drinking water for citizens. While the rising number of GBS cases has created an atmosphere of fear, the minister assured that patients are recovering with proper treatment and there is no need for panic.
Amid the rising cases, Health Minister Abitkar reviewed the situation on Monday. He inspected the wells supplying water to the affected areas in the Nanded region. Later, he visited GBS patients admitted to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Sassoon General Hospital to inquire about their condition. A meeting was then held with all government agencies to assess the situation. Key officials present included Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhonsle, Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner Shekhar Singh, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and Health Director Dr. Nitin Ambadekar.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Minister Abitkar said, “In recent days, GBS cases in Pune have been increasing. Eighty percent of these cases are from areas where water is supplied from wells in the Nanded region. The lack of proper covers on the wells or other sources of contamination might have led to polluted water. This has likely caused bacterial and viral infections, resulting in GBS cases. Preventing further increase in cases is our priority.”
The minister added that all government agencies have been instructed to take immediate measures to curb the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of the citizens.
