Rapid response team directs PMC to focus on affected areas

FIVE FRESH SUSPECTED CASES WERE REPORTED ON MONDAY TAKING THE TOTAL CASES TO 163

- Vicky Pathare

PUNE: Following complaints from kin of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) patients of allegedly being fleeced by private hospitals, the health department has issued an order to take stern action against such medical centres, said public health officials on Monday.

The order issued by district civil surgeon Dr Nagnath Yempalay to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations and district health officer amongst others on January 31 states that action will be taken under the provision of Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

Pune district, to date, has reported 163 GBS cases.

The order was issued after members expressed concerns about private hospitals charging exorbitant fees for GBS treatment at the District Planning and Development Committee meeting on January 30.

In response, deputy chief minister and Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar ordered private hospitals to mandatorily display the prescribed rate list for GBS treatment as outlined in the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Rules, 2021. Additionally, officials should ensure that treatment charges are billed accordingly, and IVIG injections are charged at wholesale rates, said officials.