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GBS not new to Maharashtra, spike in case due to water contamination, says Fadnavis

मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस ने महाराष्ट्र में गिलियन-बैरे सिंड्रोम (GBS) मामलों में वृद्धि को पुणे में जल संदूषण से जोड़ा, स्थिति नियंत्रण में है।

Published on: Jan 31, 2025, 07:42:01 IST
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Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday addressed concerns over the recent rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in the state, attributing the spike to water contamination in Pune. GBS, a rare neurological disorder, causes muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain. Fadnavis assured that the situation is under control, with all necessary preventive measures in place and treatment covered under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY) scheme in both government and affiliated private hospitals.

GBS not new to Maharashtra, spike in case due to water contamination, says Fadnavis
GBS not new to Maharashtra, spike in case due to water contamination, says Fadnavis

The chief minister, currently in Delhi for the assembly election campaign, was responding to reports of two suspected deaths linked to GBS.

“GBS is not new to Maharashtra; we have recorded cases in the past. However, this time, a higher number of cases have emerged, particularly in Nanded village on Sinhgad Road in Pune. Our investigation traced the primary source of contamination to a pond, following which corrective measures were implemented. As a result, the number of cases has now declined,” Fadnavis stated. He further emphasised continuous monitoring of the situation, acknowledging the serious impact GBS can have on an individual’s nervous system, immune response, and physical strength.

“In 90% to 95% of cases, patients recover fully. However, in four to five percent of cases, long-term effects persist, underscoring the need for serious attention to the condition,” he added.

Highlighting the financial burden of GBS treatment, Fadnavis reiterated the state government’s decision to cover it under the MPJAY scheme. “Given the high cost of treatment, we have ensured that GBS management is included under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, allowing patients to receive care at affiliated government and private hospitals,” he said.

So far, Maharashtra has reported 127 suspected cases of GBS, with the majority concentrated in Pune. The health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

  • Faisal Malik
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Faisal Malik

    Faisal Malik is a senior journalist with over two and a half decades of experience covering Maharashtra’s politics, governance and public policy with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He is a Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times and has been associated with its Mumbai edition for more than a decade. Based in Mumbai, Faisal currently covers three major political parties in Maharashtra — Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and NCP (Sharad Pawar). Over the years, he has extensively reported on major political developments, combining investigative insights with in-depth field reporting. His coverage has spanned a wide range of issues, from drought, farmer suicides, major development projects and grassroots challenges to major electoral battles, including three Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections — 2014, 2019 and 2024. Before joining Hindustan Times, he worked with ‘The Asian Age’ and ‘Dainik Bhaskar’. An avid tea enthusiast, he enjoys reading history, Urdu literature and classical poetry. When away from the newsroom, he writes Urdu poetry inspired by human emotions, life's experiences, meaningful reflections and relationships. An amateur photographer, Faisal is passionate about capturing moments that often go unnoticed by the naked eye.Read More

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