Odisha gears up to tackle Covid cases among kids ahead of possible third wave

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of possible third wave of Covid-19, the Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness to tackle cases among pediatric population.

In a letter, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, PK Mohapatra directed District Collectors, municipal commissioners, Director of Capital Hospital, Superintendents of medical colleges and CDMOs and PHOs to ensure capacity building for managing high number of cases expected during the predicted third wave.

Worth mentioning, children in the age group of 0-18 are yet to be vaccinated.

The letter asked to form a District-Level Task Force under the Chairmanship of Collector and DM for effective monitoring and supervision. Other members of the committee will be CDM & PHO, District Public Health Officers, Sr. Paediatric Specialist, Anesthesia Spl., WHO/UN officials and any other co-opted members. The task force will regularly do the gap analysis, monitor and take steps for remedial action. The District Collectors will take a meeting in this regard within a week.

All paediatric cases of lLI/SARI will be listed and swab collection of children of 0-18 age group shall be ensured for RT-PCR testing to screen out suspected positive cases in all health care facilities.

The letter further read non-availability of RT-PCR report will not be a criteria for not admitting a sick deserving patient.

Mohapatra directed the officials to isolate 50% of existing lCU, PICU, NICU and earmark it for use to manage Paediatric COVID cases. Steps will also be taken for upgrading the capacity.