Latest news with #SandeepSangale
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Maharashtra boosts support for TB control through private sector partnership
The Maharashtra government has stepped up its support for patient provider support agencies (PPSA) to help find and treat more tuberculosis patients as part of the national strategy to eliminate the disease. PPSA is a model where a non-governmental organisation/third-party agency is selected by the state/city/district unit of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) to engage private-sector doctors. The agencies engage with private practitioners to ensure delivery of standardised TB care services. This effort has been successful in improving TB case detection and treatment outcomes, according to officials. 'Engaging the private sector is a vital element of the NTEP. To support this effort, the state has extended its support to more PPSAs. In the last six months (January till June), over half of the 1.13 lakh new TB cases have been reported from the private sector,' Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director (TB and leprosy), Maharashtra, told The Indian Express. Dr Sangale explained that these agencies serve as a bridge between the state/district NTEP and the private healthcare sector and ensure that patients in private care have access to NTEP-supported services. Currently, PPSA is functional in 80 NTEP districts through seven agencies: Maharashtra Janvikas Kendra (MJK), ALERT India, Doctors for You (DFY), Gurukrupa Vikas Sanstha, DISHA foundation, Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT) and Network of Maharashtra by People living with AIDS/HIV (NMP+). Study shows evidence for public-private partnerships in TB elimination Given that nearly half of TB patients seek care from private providers, a new study shows well-funded public-private partnerships are no longer an option but essential for TB elimination goals. Published in the Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, the study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of this model based on a decade-long analysis of Maharashtra's TB programme (2011-2020). The study, published by researchers Ajith Ramalingam, Ranjit Mankeshwar, and Geeta Pardeshi, demonstrates how the effective utilisation of the National Health Mission (NHM) has directly improved TB outcomes in Maharashtra. The findings demonstrate that higher utilisation of funds—particularly in key operational areas such as supervision, public–private partnerships, and contractual services—is strongly associated with improved TB outcome indicators, increased case notification, treatment success rates and reduced case fatality rates. 'The analysis of NHM funds for the NTEP in Maharashtra from 2011 to 2020 revealed a consistent increase in both the allocation and utilisation of funds over the decade, with significant peaks observed in 2019 and 2020,' researchers said. In Maharashtra, the programme achieved its strongest outcomes when public-private partnerships were well-funded, with public–private mix (PPM) components showing a high median utilisation of 85.25 per cent, among the best across all programme areas. Central to this success was the PPSA model, backed by steadily rising contractual services funding over the decade, they added. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
2nd phase of TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan launched across state
The state Public Health department has rolled out the second phase of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Tuberculosis-Free India Campaign) across all districts. The campaign will continue till December 31. The decision to have a second phase was taken after the success of the first phase from December 7, 2024 to March 24, 2025, during which 3.40 crore population was covered. Based on this mapping, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and community engagement activities will be conducted. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) In Pune, the second phase was launched last week by the civic body. Dr Prashant Bothe, city TB officer, Pune Municipal Corporation, said, 'We have identified a target population of over 6 lakh people who will be screened under the campaign. The screening started last week and the majority of the target population includes slum dwellers, migrants, and close contacts of TB patients.' Dr Sandeep Sangale, state joint director (TB and leprosy), said that in those districts and municipal corporations where the campaign was implemented in the first phase, only the high-risk population will be screened. 'In newly-included districts, too, the teams will map high-risk areas and populations as per the central guidelines. Based on this mapping, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and community engagement activities will be conducted,' he said. Dr Bothe added that besides the high-risk population, the target population also includes individuals over 60, those with a disease history, smokers, diabetics, malnourished individuals, those living with HIV, and other such vulnerable groups. 'We have floated tenders to appoint more teams, ambulances and X-ray machines for the campaign. Screening will be done through X-ray and NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test,' he said.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Covid cases decline in Pune after brief rise in May
After a slight surge in Covid-19 cases in May, Pune city reported a decline in numbers in the month of June, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials said. However, the situation improved in June, with the number of cases decreasing to 68, they said. (FILE) According to PMC officials, in May, the city reported 93 Covid cases, a significant increase after months of very low activity. However, the situation improved in June, with the number of cases decreasing to 68, they said. Furthermore, from January to April this year, Pune had reported just one COVID-19 case, indicating almost no presence of virus circulation in the city during that period. The rise in May was not serious and was handled well due to ongoing health surveillance and prompt response measures, said the civic health officials. 'The increase in May was minor, and there is no reason for concern at this time. Many cases tested positive in private city hospitals were incorrectly reported to be from the PMC limits. We are continuing our surveillance to ensure early detection and control,' said Dr Vaishali Jadhav, assistant health officer, PMC. PMC authorities have urged citizens to stay alert, maintain hygiene, and consult doctors if they experience symptoms. People should avoid panic and instead focus on being cautious, especially people in high-risk categories. Besides, vaccination, timely testing, and responsible behaviour are still important in keeping COVID-19 under control, they said. As per the statement issued by the Public Health Department, on Sunday Maharashtra reported 8 fresh COVID-19 cases. Of which, 2 are from PMC, 5 are from Mumbai and 1 from Kolhapur. Since January 2025, as many as 2577 covid cases and 41 deaths amongst the infected have been reported. Also, the state has a recovery rate of 95.92%. Besides, since January, as many as 2569 covid cases and 41 deaths amongst the infected have been reported. Furthermore, currently, there are 64 active Covid cases in the state. Since January, Mumbai has reported 1012 covid cases, of which the highest 551 cases were reported in June alone, said Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director of Health Services. Dr Sangale said the number of cases have declined in the state. 'The team is conducting regular surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARI) patients. Around 5% of ILI patients and all SARI patients are tested for COVID-19. Besides, samples of all positive patients are sent for Whole Genome Sequencing.'
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Maternal mortality claimed 1,168 lives in Maharashtra in 2024-25
1 2 3 Pune: As many as 1,168 women in the state lost their lives to maternal mortality in 2024-25, health department officials said. Pune district accounted for the highest number of maternal deaths at 95 during this period. Officials cited high population as well as the district being a referral point for other neighbouring districts, with many complicated cases referred at the last minute for the high number of deaths. The leading causes of these deaths were hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, haemorrhage, sepsis, pulmonary embolism and other serious diseases like TB, cancer, etc, said health officials. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune As per the state health department, 2024-25 saw a slightly higher number than 2023-24 when 1,131 maternal deaths were reported. In the past five years, the number of maternal deaths has been fluctuating with no steady decline or rise in numbers. Officials said that of the 1,168 maternal deaths reported in 2024-25, 68 women were from outside Maharashtra. Maternal mortality in a region is a measure of the reproductive health of women in the area. Many women in reproductive age die due to complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth or abortion. As per World Health Organization, "Maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes. " Dr Sandeep Sangale, additional director, State Family Welfare Bureau, Maharashtra, said, "We have been making several efforts to bring down maternal mortality in the state and right now as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) report on maternal mortality, the state's ratio stands at 36 for 2020-2022, which was 38 for 2019-2021." Maharashtra has the second lowest maternal deaths after Kerala. "The national average for 2020-22 stands at 88. Through our home-based care and post-natal visits by Asha workers, we have been able to reduce mortality. We will further strive to reduce maternal deaths because each life is precious. Although cities may show a higher death rate, this is because they are referral points for neighbouring districts, so when the case reaches at the last minute, the death is registered under that district," he added. SRS is one of the largest demographic sample surveys in the country that, among other indicators, provide direct estimates of maternal mortality through a nationally representative sample Dr Abhijit More, health activist and co-convener Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, said, "Compared to other states, Maharashtra is doing better. Multiple policies targeted at decentralizing maternal care at the village level, providing nutrition to pregnant women and keeping a tab on every pregnant case through Asha workers have helped in achieving this. These early interventions and a robust women's hospital network in multiple districts are lowering deaths among women, however, we must work to ensure no woman dies due to unavailability of healthcare at the right time. " Pune: As many as 1,168 women in the state lost their lives to maternal mortality in 2024-25, health department officials said. Pune district accounted for the highest number of maternal deaths at 95 during this period. Officials cited high population as well as the district being a referral point for other neighbouring districts, with many complicated cases referred at the last minute for the high number of deaths. The leading causes of these deaths were hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, haemorrhage, sepsis, pulmonary embolism and other serious diseases like TB, cancer, etc, said health officials. As per the state health department, 2024-25 saw a slightly higher number than 2023-24 when 1,131 maternal deaths were reported. In the past five years, the number of maternal deaths has been fluctuating with no steady decline or rise in numbers. Officials said that of the 1,168 maternal deaths reported in 2024-25, 68 women were from outside Maharashtra. Maternal mortality in a region is a measure of the reproductive health of women in the area. Many women in reproductive age die due to complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth or abortion. As per World Health Organization, "Maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes. " Dr Sandeep Sangale, additional director, State Family Welfare Bureau, Maharashtra, said, "We have been making several efforts to bring down maternal mortality in the state and right now as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) report on maternal mortality, the state's ratio stands at 36 for 2020-2022, which was 38 for 2019-2021." Maharashtra has the second lowest maternal deaths after Kerala. "The national average for 2020-22 stands at 88. Through our home-based care and post-natal visits by Asha workers, we have been able to reduce mortality. We will further strive to reduce maternal deaths because each life is precious. Although cities may show a higher death rate, this is because they are referral points for neighbouring districts, so when the case reaches at the last minute, the death is registered under that district," he added. SRS is one of the largest demographic sample surveys in the country that, among other indicators, provide direct estimates of maternal mortality through a nationally representative sample Dr Abhijit More, health activist and co-convener Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, said, "Compared to other states, Maharashtra is doing better. Multiple policies targeted at decentralizing maternal care at the village level, providing nutrition to pregnant women and keeping a tab on every pregnant case through Asha workers have helped in achieving this. These early interventions and a robust women's hospital network in multiple districts are lowering deaths among women, however, we must work to ensure no woman dies due to unavailability of healthcare at the right time. "
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
State govt puts cap of Rs 600 again for dengue test
1 2 3 Pune: The state govt has again capped the price of ELISA test for dengue at Rs 600 while issuing fresh directives to all hospitals and laboratories amid a rise in vector-borne infections like dengue and chikungunya this monsoon. The rate has remained unchanged since 2016. In 2015, Delhi became the first state to cap the rate of dengue test at Rs 600, which was then followed by Maharashtra. Pune Municipal Corporation officials have urged patients to lodge a complaint in case any hospital or laboratory is found to be charging more than the capped amount. The state health department has been telling diagnostic labs and hospitals since 2016 to cap the cost during monsoon to make these tests affordable for patients. However, it is often seen that labs overcharge anywhere between Rs800 and Rs1,100 per test, which deters patients from undergoing a proper evaluation. Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director, health services, Maharashtra, said, "Since 2016, the state has ordered all private hospitals and labs to conduct NS1 ELISA and MAC ELISA dengue tests within Rs 600 to ensure that there is no exploitation of patients by these labs or hospitals. We have also instructed the labs to make sure that under no circumstances do they use rapid diagnostic kits to test dengue samples and stick to ELISA tests only for confirming dengue. We have sent the circular to all directors under the health department and the concerned medical officers in civic bodies and zilla parishads as well." Confirming the same, Dr Nina Borade, chief health officer, PMC health department, said, "We have received the circular and issued a notification to all the private labs and hospitals registered with us to ensure that they do not charge more than Rs 600 for a dengue ELISA test. We also urge citizens to come forward if they find any lab or hospital charging more than the stipulated amount. During monsoon we see a surge in the number of cases and so the govt has capped the prices to make sure that everyone can afford these tests, which are important for determining the course of treatment. " Borade said that citizens can mail their complaints to health@ or contact the department on 020- 25501215 Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association (IMA) has stated that while most members do comply with the govt guidelines, there is disagreement among some regarding the capping. Dr Sanjay Patil, chairperson, Hospital Board of India, IMA Pune chapter, said, "The feasibility of any cost for any diagnostic test or procedure depends on the material used and the infrastructure involved. Every hospital or a diagnostic center has the freedom to decide the rate for the investigation but considering that dengue is prevalent in Pune and for the time being the govt has put these restrictions, so all private hospitals are following the govt guidelines. However there is some unrest among the hospitals on price capping which has remained the same since 2016." On Wednesday, TOI reported that an early monsoon had triggered a surge in vector-borne infections in the state as the number of cases has surpassed those reported in 2024 for the first six months. Pune also has seen a surge in the number of vector-borne infections. Altogether 169 suspected and eight confirmed dengue cases have been reported this year of which 62 suspected and two confirmed were reported in May and June (till 18). Also, eight chikungunya cases have been reported in Pune city this year. Pune: The state govt has again capped the price of ELISA test for dengue at Rs 600 while issuing fresh directives to all hospitals and laboratories amid a rise in vector-borne infections like dengue and chikungunya this monsoon. The rate has remained unchanged since 2016. In 2015, Delhi became the first state to cap the rate of dengue test at Rs 600, which was then followed by Maharashtra. Pune Municipal Corporation officials have urged patients to lodge a complaint in case any hospital or laboratory is found to be charging more than the capped amount. The state health department has been telling diagnostic labs and hospitals since 2016 to cap the cost during monsoon to make these tests affordable for patients. However, it is often seen that labs overcharge anywhere between Rs800 and Rs1,100 per test, which deters patients from undergoing a proper evaluation. Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director, health services, Maharashtra, said, "Since 2016, the state has ordered all private hospitals and labs to conduct NS1 ELISA and MAC ELISA dengue tests within Rs 600 to ensure that there is no exploitation of patients by these labs or hospitals. We have also instructed the labs to make sure that under no circumstances do they use rapid diagnostic kits to test dengue samples and stick to ELISA tests only for confirming dengue. We have sent the circular to all directors under the health department and the concerned medical officers in civic bodies and zilla parishads as well." Confirming the same, Dr Nina Borade, chief health officer, PMC health department, said, "We have received the circular and issued a notification to all the private labs and hospitals registered with us to ensure that they do not charge more than Rs 600 for a dengue ELISA test. We also urge citizens to come forward if they find any lab or hospital charging more than the stipulated amount. During monsoon we see a surge in the number of cases and so the govt has capped the prices to make sure that everyone can afford these tests, which are important for determining the course of treatment. " Borade said that citizens can mail their complaints to health@ or contact the department on 020- 25501215 Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association (IMA) has stated that while most members do comply with the govt guidelines, there is disagreement among some regarding the capping. Dr Sanjay Patil, chairperson, Hospital Board of India, IMA Pune chapter, said, "The feasibility of any cost for any diagnostic test or procedure depends on the material used and the infrastructure involved. Every hospital or a diagnostic center has the freedom to decide the rate for the investigation but considering that dengue is prevalent in Pune and for the time being the govt has put these restrictions, so all private hospitals are following the govt guidelines. However there is some unrest among the hospitals on price capping which has remained the same since 2016." On Wednesday, TOI reported that an early monsoon had triggered a surge in vector-borne infections in the state as the number of cases has surpassed those reported in 2024 for the first six months. Pune also has seen a surge in the number of vector-borne infections. Altogether 169 suspected and eight confirmed dengue cases have been reported this year of which 62 suspected and two confirmed were reported in May and June (till 18). Also, eight chikungunya cases have been reported in Pune city this year.
