Pune: PMC Launches Metropolitan Surveillance Unit To Strengthen Epidemic Preparedness
Pune: PMC Launches Metropolitan Surveillance Unit To Strengthen Epidemic Preparedness
Pune, September 26, 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has operationalized a Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU) to enhance the city’s capacity for timely detection, prevention, and control of infectious disease outbreaks.
As part of the initiative, PMC in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, organized training for MSU personnel from September 23 to 25, 2025. On September 25, a coordination meeting chaired by Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram was held to brief various departments about the objectives of MSU and to ensure effective inter-departmental cooperation during future epidemic situations.
Representatives from the Airport Authority, India Meteorological Department, Public Health Laboratory, Indian Railways, Food and Drug Administration, NIV, WHO, State Vector-Borne Disease Control Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, State Survey Department, Pune Doctors’ Association, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (Pune Chapter), along with PMC’s Water Supply, Sewerage, Education, IT, Electrical, Building Design, and Health Departments were present, informed Dr. Vaishali Jadhav, MSU In-Charge and Assistant Health Officer.
Commissioner Ram emphasized that the MSU will play a crucial role in strengthening Pune’s public health system. “The unit will facilitate real-time data collection, disease analysis, and rapid response strategies. It is an essential step for protecting citizens’ health,” he stated.
He further directed the PMC Building Department to prioritize infrastructure development to ensure the MSU becomes one of the most advanced and well-equipped facilities in India.
Highlighting the city’s epidemic history, the Commissioner noted that Pune has faced repeated outbreaks, including Swine Flu in 2009, COVID-19 in 2020, and GBS in 2024, apart from other diseases triggered by environmental and climate change, contaminated food and water, and zoonotic sources.
