NHM Issues Alert In Madhya Pradesh As Melioidosis Disease Becomes Endemic

Melioidosis Alert in Madhya Pradesh: National Health Mission Issues Warning

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The National Health Mission (NHM) has issued an alert in Madhya Pradesh regarding Melioidosis, a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and water. The risk of infection significantly increases during the rainy and humid seasons.

High Mortality Rate: 4 out of 10 Patients Die

Melioidosis has now become endemic in Madhya Pradesh. Alarmingly, 4 out of every 10 patients affected by this disease succumb to it. One of the challenges in treatment is that its symptoms often resemble those of tuberculosis (TB), leading to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. This delay allows the infection to spread throughout the body, increasing the risk of severe complications.

What Do Doctors Say?

Doctors warn that Melioidosis can be life-threatening, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, or weakened immunity. A recent report from AIIMS Bhopal reveals that over the past six years, more than 130 cases have been reported across 20 districts in Madhya Pradesh.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also included Melioidosis among the list of ‘emerging neglected diseases.’ After Southeast Asia and Australia, India—particularly the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha—is witnessing the emergence of new hotspots.

AIIMS Bhopal Issues Warning

Anyone experiencing a fever lasting more than 2-3 weeks, showing no improvement with anti-TB medications, or suffering from recurring abscesses should get tested for Melioidosis immediately.

Since 2023, AIIMS Bhopal has trained over 50 doctors and microbiologists to enhance detection and diagnosis of this disease. In recent months, hospitals in Bhopal, Sagar, and Indore have reported 14 new cases. Experts attribute the increase in reported cases to improved testing and faster identification.

Symptoms of Melioidosis

  • Sudden high fever and blood infection (sepsis)
  • Severe pneumonia (lung infection)
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Abscesses in organs such as liver, spleen, prostate, or salivary glands
  • Bone and joint infections
  • Long-term symptoms that mimic TB, including weight loss, persistent cough, fever, and lung damage

How is Melioidosis Diagnosed?

Accurate testing is essential for diagnosis and includes:

  • Testing samples of blood, pus, sputum, urine, or spinal fluid
  • Culturing bacteria on special media
  • Microscopic examination showing characteristic “safety-pin” staining
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing where available

Precautions and Prevention

  • Wear boots and gloves when working in fields or handling soil and water
  • Keep open wounds covered and away from soil and water sources
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you notice suspicious symptoms
  • Undergo timely antibiotic treatment and complete the prescribed course to ensure full recovery

Health experts emphasize that increasing public awareness and early detection are crucial steps to prevent loss of lives due to Melioidosis.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/nhm-issues-alert-in-madhya-pradesh-as-melioidosis-disease-becomes-endemic

Constables Trained With Police Band Shall Not Perform Without Their Wish, Says Madhya Pradesh High Court

**Jabalpur High Court Rules Against Sending MP Police Constables for Band Duties Without Consent**

The High Court of Madhya Pradesh has ruled that Constables (General Duty) of the MP Police who have undergone police band training cannot be assigned to perform or play in police band functions without their consent.

This directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by MK Rawat, Pradeep Bhuriya, Ravindra Kushwaha, Prakash Singh, and Rahul Girwal, all posted as Constables (General Duty) in MP Police. Justice Vivek Jain stated, “In view of the position that the petitioners have already undertaken training of police band, it is observed that they shall not be sent for police band duties without their consent.”

The constables had challenged departmental orders requiring them to undergo police band training. While their training on musical instruments was completed, they objected to being deployed to perform in various functions and programmes.

The petitioners relied on a previous High Court order dated February 21, 2024, which had held that police personnel cannot be sent for training or assigned duties related to playing the band without their consent.

According to the petitioners’ counsel, Nityanand Mishra, the constables’ primary responsibilities involve maintaining law and order and investigating offences. Therefore, their consent is essential before being deployed for police band performances during official events.

This ruling safeguards the rights of police personnel by ensuring that their deployment for specialized duties like police band performances is voluntary and not imposed.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/constables-trained-with-police-band-shall-not-perform-without-their-wish-says-madhya-pradesh-high-court

Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Construction Ban In MP’s Pachmarhi Cantonment

**Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Ban on Construction in Pachmarhi Cantonment, Allows G+3 Floors**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has lifted a 25-year-old ban on construction in the Pachmarhi cantonment area. The court’s ruling now permits the construction of houses up to ground plus three floors (G+3), bringing much-needed relief to approximately 12,000 residents living within the 1,000-hectare cantonment zone.

Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, representing the Cantonment Board, highlighted the challenges posed by the earlier restrictions. He explained that the small plot sizes in the cantonment—some as tiny as 200 to 300 square feet—made construction practically impossible under the previous regulations.

The Supreme Court has directed the implementation of the G+3 construction plan for all new buildings in the region. This move follows recommendations made in March 2018 by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, which advocated permitting G+3 structures to address the ongoing difficulties faced by residents.

The original construction ban was imposed in 2000. Since then, the Cantonment Board had actively sought relief, including filing an intervention application in 2008 against restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court’s empowered committee. This committee was initially set up to monitor and curb illegal constructions in national parks.

Commenting on the recent verdict, Tankha tweeted that the decision would be a source of long-awaited relief for Pachmarhi’s residents. Additionally, Lovekesh Sahu, the office superintendent of the Cantonment Board, stated that the Supreme Court ruling resolves the long-standing challenges faced by those owning small plots in the area.

This development promises to pave the way for improved housing opportunities and better urban planning within the Pachmarhi cantonment, benefiting its thousands of inhabitants.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/supreme-court-lifts-25-year-construction-ban-in-mps-pachmarhi-cantonment

Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Construction Ban In MP’s Pachmarhi Cantonment

**Supreme Court Lifts 25-Year Ban on Construction in Pachmarhi Cantonment**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Supreme Court has lifted the 25-year-old ban on construction in the Pachmarhi cantonment area, permitting houses up to ground plus three (G+3) floors. This significant move is expected to benefit approximately 12,000 residents living within the 1,000-hectare cantonment zone.

Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, representing the Cantonment Board, highlighted the challenges faced by residents due to earlier restrictions. He pointed out that the small plot sizes—sometimes as little as 200 to 300 square feet—made construction virtually impossible under the previous regulations.

The Supreme Court has directed the implementation of the G+3 plan for all new constructions in the cantonment area, marking a progressive change in building norms. The original ban on construction had been imposed back in 2000.

In March 2018, a committee appointed by the Supreme Court had recommended allowing G+3 construction, paving the way for this recent decision.

Expressing optimism about the ruling, Vivek Tankha tweeted that it would bring much-needed relief to the residents of Pachmarhi.

Lovekesh Sahu, office superintendent of the Cantonment Board, noted that the Supreme Court’s decision resolves the long-standing challenges faced by residents owning small plots in the region.

The Cantonment Board had earlier filed an intervention application in 2008 against restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court’s empowered committee, which was initially formed to monitor illegal constructions in national parks.

This landmark verdict is expected to spur development and improve living conditions in Pachmarhi cantonment after more than two decades of construction restrictions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/supreme-court-lifts-25-year-construction-ban-in-mps-pachmarhi-cantonment

Bhopal: Youth Assaulted For Not Joining Social Media Campaign

**23-Year-Old MBA Student Assaulted for Refusing to Support Social Media Campaign in Bhopal**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Shivam Pandey, a 23-year-old MBA student specializing in Hospital Management, was allegedly assaulted by his senior, Mahendra Chauhan. The incident reportedly occurred because Shivam refused to post an Instagram story in support of Shariq Machhli, a controversial figure linked to criminal activities.

According to Shivam’s complaint, the assault took place on Tuesday night when he stopped at a café in Indrapuri for tea. Mahendra confronted him about not sharing Shariq’s story on Instagram despite repeated instructions. The complaint states that Mahendra verbally abused Shivam, slapped him multiple times, and pulled his hair in front of bystanders and local residents.

Shivam further alleged that Mahendra has been aggressively running online campaigns to promote Shariq’s image and pressures youngsters to join these social media campaigns. Those who refuse reportedly face threats and physical attacks by Mahendra and associates of Shariq.

Following the complaint, the Piplani police have registered a non-cognizable report against Mahendra Chauhan. Police officials have confirmed that further investigations are underway.

The background of this case involves Shariq Machhli’s family members, including his nephew Yaseen and relative Shahwar, who were recently arrested for operating a drug and illegal firearms syndicate. They have also been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Meanwhile, Shariq Machhli himself remains under police scrutiny for suspected involvement in various criminal activities and harassment of women.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the investigation progresses.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-youth-assaulted-for-not-joining-social-media-campaign