Pune’s dengue cases have reached 3,154, while a widening gap between daily blood demand and availability is placing additional pressure on government and private blood banks, according to a report by Pudhari. Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed private hospitals not to refuse dengue patients citing a shortage of beds and to inform patients about government health schemes if treatment costs create financial difficulties.
The directions followed the commissioner’s visits to private hospitals to review treatment arrangements amid a rise in dengue and other infectious diseases. Hospitals have also been instructed to record suspected and confirmed dengue cases on the Integrated Health Information Platform, or IHIP, portal. The data is intended to support timely treatment and help authorities monitor the spread of infection.
The report said dengue cases in Maharashtra have risen by nearly 28% compared with last year, while reported deaths have increased from two to 11. Within municipal corporation areas, Pune has recorded 3,154 cases, the second-highest number after Mumbai, according to the information cited in the report.
Pune’s hospitals are also facing higher demand for platelets and blood. Dengue can reduce platelet counts in some patients, although platelet transfusions are required based on a doctor’s assessment. The report said the city needs approximately 1,400 to 1,500 blood units daily for surgeries, accident care, childbirth, organ transplants and other medical requirements, but only around 800 to 900 units are currently available.
The shortage has increased the burden on relatives seeking blood and platelets for patients. Blood banks are also facing difficulty maintaining supplies because of fewer blood-donation camps and reduced donor availability. The report attributed the fall in availability partly to college holidays and the movement of many residents to their hometowns during the festive period.
Pune’s intermittent rain and warm weather, along with stagnant water at construction sites and uncovered tanks, have contributed to conditions favourable for mosquito breeding, according to the report. Some private hospitals have reported an increase of nearly 50% in dengue patients. Municipal officials have therefore asked hospitals to strengthen preventive awareness among outpatients, inpatients and patients’ relatives, alongside treatment arrangements.
The municipal area-wise figures cited in the report include 267 cases in the Nagar Road-Wagholi area and 201 in Yerawada-Wadgaon Sheri. The report also said the administration has urged residents to seek medical care immediately if they experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding or extreme drowsiness.
Pudhari reported that demands have grown for a permanent government response to recurring blood shortages. The immediate administrative measures include hospital inspections, dengue-case reporting through the IHIP portal, patient guidance on public health schemes and preventive awareness activities.
