Latest news with #VaishaliJadhav
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Metropolitan surveillance unit project picks up pace
Pune: The metropolitan surveillance unit (MSU) in the city has gained momentum and the central government has released ₹1crore for the project to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The project, aimed at strengthening disease monitoring and public health response, is part of the central government's pilot project under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), said officials on Saturday. Metropolitan surveillance unit in the city has gained momentum and the central government has released ₹ 1crore for the project to Pune Municipal Corporation. (Bloomberg (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) According to the officials, the civic body has forwarded a proposal to appoint 19 experts and technical staff to speed up the work to the municipal commissioner for approval. A private agency has been hired to prepare the detailed project report and tender documents. Since 2021, PMC has been working to set up the unit and a 5,000 square feet space in Jawale Bhavan, Kasba Peth was finalised in May 2025. The unit will be funded by the central government and a budget proposal of ₹8.28 crore has been approved. The MSU is a special unit with a laboratory facility aimed at understanding the nature and cause of diseases in an urban context and identifying potential disease outbreaks, they said. Dr Vaishali Jadhav, assistant health chief, PMC, said central authorities have completed the site visit. A project monitoring committee has been appointed, including experts from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and National Centre of Diseases Control. 'The unit will be developed by PMC and monitored by the state public health department,' she said. The unit will also have an in-house laboratory to test samples for various infectious diseases, said officials. Dr Nina Borade, health chief, PMC, said a technical committee with experts from the National Institute of Virology, Sassoon General Hospital, public health and microbiology departments of PMC-run medical college, among others have been appointed. 'Once the project report is completed, a tender will be floated by the civic electric and building department to set up the unit,' she said. 'As part of the initiative, PMC has mapped 109 hospitals in the city on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for disease surveillance,' Dr Nina 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.'
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PMC issues health advisory for communicable diseases
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department and the epidemic diseases control division have issued a public advisory to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during the monsoon season. Ahead of the monsoon's arrival, the civic body has taken various initiatives, including preparedness measures, training, and public awareness, to protect citizens' health, said the officials on Wednesday. The civic body conducted a training session on communicable disease control on May 16. The training was conducted for all zonal medical officers, ward medical officers, and other healthcare staff from PMC-run healthcare facilities and clinics. Besides, instructions have been given to all PMC hospitals and clinics to ensure the availability of medicine kits required to treat infectious diseases, read the advisory issued on Tuesday (20). Dr Vaishali Jadhav, assistant health officer of PMC, said that as part of preparedness, a special ward with 50 beds and round-the-clock medical facilities has been established at the Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital. 'We have set up an Epidemic Control Cell at the PMC level to manage any potential outbreaks reported in the city,' she said. According to the officials, due to heavy rainfall, drinking water may get contaminated and eventually increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and jaundice. Food exposed to flies may also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Dr Nina Borade, PMC health chief has urged citizens to refrain from self-medication. 'Citizens with problems like vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever should seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is available at all PMC hospitals and Dr. Naidu Hospital. Besides, all private medical practitioners are instructed to report cases of cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, jaundice, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, COVID-19, and H1N1 to the PMC Health Department without delay,' she added.
