Vijayawada: In view of the increased number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday held a review meeting with health minister Satya Kumar Yadav and health dept officials to take stock of the situation. He directed officials to identify the causes of the disease and contain its spread, and ensure that the best of treatment is provided to the affected patients.
Health minister Yadav said there is no need to worry about GBS, as govt is fully prepared to provide adequate medical services and medications in govt hospitals. “GBS is occurring worldwide and affects only one in a lakh. Nearly 85per cent of cases resolve without any treatment, and only 15per cent require immunoglobulin injections,” he noted, and urged people to consult govt hospitals and receive appropriate medical services immediately upon noticing any health issues. The minister further stated that as many as 301 cases have so far been reported in 10 govt hospitals across the state.
“Out of the total cases, 115 cases were reported in Guntur govt general hospital due to the availability of super-speciality neurological medical services. Similarly, 43 cases were reported in January this year, with 17 patients currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. Required number of immunoglobulin injections are available for GBS patients in the state. A patient requires five injections daily for five days, which cost around 20,000, but these injections are being given free of cost in govt hospitals under the NTR medical service scheme,” Yadav added.
Special chief secretary MT Krishnababu said the govt became alert after 181 people were identified with GBS symptoms under the Pune municipal corporation. He observed that environmental pollution might be a major cause behind the disease’s spread, which starts in the legs with a tingling sensation and progresses upwards, causing an inability to walk. He advised seeking immediate medical services at govt hospitals upon noticing such symptoms to avoid any danger. He further stated that 1,200 immunoglobulin injections are currently available across the state, and steps have been taken to procure another 6,000 vials.
Dr NV Sundarachari, principal of Guntur govt medical college, said the disease was first identified way back in 1834, with various infections potentially causing its spread. He warned that it could start as common cold.
