Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has stepped in to address the alarming rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in the city by offering free treatment at its Kamla Nehru Hospital. Previously available only at private hospitals, this initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to patients burdened by high treatment costs.

Pune currently has 74 confirmed cases of GBS, with 14 patients on ventilators and 5 set to be discharged today. Concern over the increasing number of cases has prompted the PMC to reserve 50 beds and 15 ICU units at Kamla Nehru Hospital for GBS patients. Pune Municipal Commissioner is expected to convene a meeting with the health department to strategize further action.

Private hospitals such as Navale Hospital, Poona Hospital, Bharati Hospital, and Deenanath Hospital, which are currently treating GBS patients, will now have municipal medical officers stationed on-site to monitor patient care and billing practices. Reports suggest that treatment costs at private hospitals range between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh per patient.

The PMC has also announced plans to supply clean drinking water to high-risk areas like Nandedgaon and Kirkatwadi on Sinhagad Road, where the majority of cases have been reported. Officials are investigating whether water contamination might be linked to the rise in cases.

GBS treatments are being covered under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The allocated treatment amount under these schemes has been increased to accommodate rising expenses.

Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, who previously held discussions with the District Collector and other officials, has urged citizens to exercise caution and assured them of the administration's preparedness to combat the situation.