Activists Call for Opening of 100-Bed Aundh District Hospital Amid HMPV Concerns

Pune: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra government has proposed the construction of a 100-bed epidemic hospital on unused land at the Aundh District Hospital site. Completed post the second wave of the pandemic, the facility was designed to handle infectious diseases and be used in emergency situations. However, more than a year after its completion, the hospital remains unused, sparking concern among health activists and local citizens.

Activists are calling on the authorities to ensure its operational readiness, particularly in light of the recent global concerns over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has recently made headlines due to an outbreak in China. This call for preparedness comes on the same day that two cases of HMPV were reported in Karnataka.

Also Read: HMPV Scare: Bengaluru reports 2 cases, Gujarat 1

Speaking to Free Press Journal, an activist said, "Even though there are no cases of HMPV in Pune or Maharashtra, the authorities should be prepared to deal with the virus. They constructed an epidemic hospital—what is it being made for if it can't be used during emergencies? The authorities should visit and check why it is not operational. They must be ready to face such a crisis, God forbid if it spreads to the masses. Taxpayers' money will be wasted if the hospital building is not put to use."

Sharad Shetty, a health activist, mentioned that a year ago a team from the Director of Health Services had visited the premises, and at that time, the work was almost complete—only the drainage line and electricity connection remained. Despite the facility being completed a year ago, it is still not in public use. The question remains: What are they waiting for? The HMPV outbreak in China should prompt vigilance and proactive measures in opening the facility.

Two years have passed since the Maharashtra government built a 100-bed infectious disease hospital at Aundh District Hospital in Pune, but the local administration has completely failed to make it operational. Shetty added that considering the threat posed by HMPV, precautionary measures such as increasing the number of beds in government hospitals for treatment should be implemented across the state.

Dr Nagnath Yempalle, the civil surgeon at Aundh District Hospital, responded to the criticisms, stating that the hospital is indeed ready for use and can be activated if required.

Commenting on this, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, informed The Free Press Journal, "The 100-bed hospital is complete and ready for use. Only the electric meter connection is pending, but transformers have been installed, and generators are available for emergencies. We have instructed OPDs to screen for HMPV and issued guidelines that are very similar to COVID protocols. The hospital will be utilized if an emergency arises. We also have spare generators to handle such situations. However, we will certainly make it available to the public in the coming times."

The Pune health department has also reassured residents that there is no need to panic about the current situation, stating that no cases of HMPV have been detected in Maharashtra. The authorities have emphasized that all necessary precautions are being taken.

Also Read: HMPV Outbreak in China: Closely monitoring Influenza cases in India, says Health Ministry

Dr Prachee Sathe, Director of the ICU and Critical Care Unit at Ruby Hall Clinic, highlighted that while HMPV is a significant respiratory pathogen, it is unlikely to cause a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, HMPV does not have the same level of asymptomatic spread or a long incubation period, and it tends to cause more localized outbreaks. However, it can lead to serious illness in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. To prevent a widespread outbreak, he emphasized that maintaining good hygiene, promoting vaccination against other respiratory illnesses, and closely monitoring new cases would be crucial.