Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Will Punekars Get Free Treatment for GBS? Here's What We Know So Far

With two deaths in the district, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is creating havoc in the city, with over 70 cases and more than 20 people in serious condition. GBS is a rare neurological disorder.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare physical condition marked by sudden numbness and weakness in muscles. With rising cases and the complications associated with the disease, the cost of hospitalization and huge bills are breaking the backs of Punekars. This has led to a growing demand for subsidized treatment among Punekars. Recently, even former BJP corporator Manjusha Nagapure wrote a letter to Pune Municipal Corporation authorities to bear the cost of primary tests for the disease.

Addressing these concerns, Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said that the administration has decided to provide free treatment to affected citizens.

"The treatment for this issue is very expensive. After discussions with officials from the district administration and municipal corporation, we have decided to provide free treatment to affected citizens," he added.

Check the list of hospitals

Those from Pimpri-Chinchwad will be treated at YCM Hospital, while patients from Pune Municipal Corporation areas will receive treatment at Kamla Nehru Hospital. For citizens from rural areas, free treatment will be provided at Sassoon Hospital in Pune.

"The total number of GBS cases increased to 73, comprising 47 men and 26 women. Of these, 14 are on ventilator support," a state health department official was quoted as saying to the media.

There have also been two deaths in the district. One was a 64-year-old female patient, undergoing treatment at Pimpri's Post Graduate Institute-Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH), who reportedly succumbed to an acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) variant of GBS. The other was a young CA from Dhayari, who is survived by his wife and two daughters.

At present, Guillain-Barre Syndrome -- a rare nerve disorder -- has affected 73 people in Pune. GBS is often followed by a bacterial or viral infection that wreaks havoc on the nerves. In people afflicted with GBS, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, leading to weakness and, sometimes, paralysis, or even death.

Pawar said that the injections used for treatment are priced around Rs 8,000, but private facilities charge nearly Rs 20,000. "To address this, we made these decisions today and will take additional measures after returning to Mumbai," he added.