Ongole GGH treats rare Guillain-Barré case free, sparing a bill of up to ₹6 lakh

Doctors at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Ongole have successfully treated a patient suffering from the rare Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) almost free of cost.

For GBS, IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) is typically administered in five doses over a period of five days. A person weighing 60 kg requires about 120 grams of IVIG, a total dose of 2 grams a kg. The cost of the full five-day course in private hospitals generally ranges from ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh. The GGH doctors treated Nageswar Reddy, a 29-year-old cathlab technician at a private hospital, who experienced a loss of proper function in his hands and difficulty in walking.

Hari, a neurology specialist, examined the patient and initially conducted a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS), providing the necessary early-stage treatment. As the patient subsequently developed symptoms such as leg weakness and an unsteady gait, Dr. Hari conducted a more in-depth evaluation and diagnosed the condition as GBS. After the administration of the required specialised treatment, IVIG, the patient made a gradual recovery and is now leading a normal and healthy life.

GGH in-charge superintendent Kiran Kumar commended the neurology medical team led by Dr. Hari. He said this case once again proved that government hospitals are capable of providing top-tier medical services, comparable to those of corporate hospitals, entirely free of cost. He also advised the public to consult a doctor immediately on noticing symptoms such as sudden weakness in the hands or legs, difficulty walking, or an inability to hold objects.