COVID-19 Pune: PMC conducts surveys to identify high-risk individuals

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is surveying citizens in the jurisdiction on the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic. The survey is aimed at identifying people above 60, with more than one symptom of COVID-19 to reduce the risk of death. 

In the last two months, almost 1420 employees of PMC screened around 2.85 lakh senior citizens with various ailments and comorbidities. The screening has helped save the lives of many. 

According to data, patients over 60 years of age and with a variety of ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, both diabetes and hypertension, and asthma have a higher risk of death. Comorbidities also amount to almost 70 per cent of the total reported deaths. As a result, if these citizens get treatment on time, many lives can be saved. 

Most patients with high blood pressure

According to the data collected, 96,252 were found to have blood pressure. It is followed by 80,971 senior citizens with diabetes, 28,168 with diabetes-high blood pressure and 1308 with asthma.

Number of pregnant mothers 78,000

Pregnant women are also being surveyed as they are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. In two months, the corporation has surveyed 78,000 pregnant mothers. 

Process of investigation

Employees use thermal guns to measure their body temperature. Oxygen levels are also monitored by blood pressure and pulse oximeter. Also, X-rays are conducted if necessary. They are also examined for heart, kidney or liver disorders.

9,200 suspects found

The survey team, comprising senior citizens, comorbid and pregnant mothers, examined 3.72 lakh citizens in two months and found 9,299 suspects and 8,284 of them tested for COVID-19 and 3,085 of them tested positive.

Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr. Vaishali Jadhav, Head of Survey Team, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said, "The Senior citizens and comorbid patients and pregnant mothers do not become serious if they receive timely treatment. For this, the survey team is doing door to door to survey. They are going to their house and conducting a survey. They are called every two days to inquire about their health."