A new committee set up by the Union Home Ministry to study the arrival of Covid19 third wave and its impact on both children and adults, it was revealed in the report that the third wave of the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease may reach its highest level around October 2021 and children could be impacted as severely as adults.
In its report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the committee has revealed a critical need for pediatric facilities, including doctors, staff, and equipment like ventilators and ambulances, if a large number of children got infected by the virus. It further said the available infrastructure was “no nowhere close” to the requirement if the need arose.
According to a report in The Times of India, the committee of experts was set up under the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) of the MHA. The experts have also written about prioritising a vaccination drive against the virus for children with co-morbidities and those with special needs.
COVID-19 India update as on 23th August 2021
- Rightwards arrow More than 50.75 Cr COVID Tests conducted so far.
- Rightwards arrow Weekly Positivity Rate currently at 1.91%.
- Rightwards arrow Daily Positivity Rate at 1.94%; less than 3% for 28 consecutive days.
The experts’ study titled ‘Third Wave Preparedness: Children Vulnerability and Recovery’ found, like several other previous related works, while children may not be severely infected by the virus, they may pass it on to others.
Recently, Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said the central government was fully prepared to deal with a possible third wave and special emphasis is being laid on strengthening pediatric care.
Among committee recommendations, the experts have noted “a holistic home care model, immediate increase in pediatric medical capacities and prioritising mental health issues among children” were key at the moment. They have also proposed a model wherein Covid wards could be structured in a way that guardians of infected children could safely stay with them during the treatment.
