Pune: Even as HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) cases have been reported in India, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has yet to implement health screening protocols for passengers arriving at Lohegaon Pune International Airport. According to PMC officials, a decision regarding the screenings will be taken during the next administrative meeting.
The HMPV outbreak, first observed in China, has now spread to several states in India. The virus was recently detected in an 8-month-old girl in Bengaluru, marking India’s first confirmed case. This has put health authorities across the country on high alert. Following directives from the Maharashtra state health department, the PMC has been instructed to adopt preventive measures, particularly at key entry points like the airport.
Lohegaon Airport sees significant passenger traffic daily, with flights arriving from cities nationwide, including Bengaluru, where HMPV cases have been reported. Despite this, no screening measures have been implemented to monitor the health of arriving passengers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, PMC had established robust health screening procedures at the airport. Dedicated teams of doctors and nurses conducted health checks, and symptomatic passengers were sent to Naidu Hospital for further testing. These measures proved effective in controlling the spread of the virus. Similar steps were also taken during the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.
However, with the emergence of HMPV cases, the PMC has not yet taken proactive steps. This delay in implementing health checks has raised concerns about the increased risk of the virus spreading in Pune.
Dr. Neena Borade, PMC Health Department Head, assured the public of readiness: "Currently, no screenings are being conducted at Lohegaon Airport. A decision will be finalized in the next meeting. The municipal health infrastructure is prepared, with 350 beds ready for potential cases. Citizens are urged not to panic over the situation."
