Covid-19: Punjab readies to neutralize threat to children in possible third wave

CHANDIGARH: Following experts' predictions of a third Covid wave that is expected to impact children the most, the Punjab government has set the ball rolling for shielding the young vulnerable population from the threat.
Punjab has been one of the worst-hit states during both waves, but in which children were least affected. The analysis of the state health department reveals that about 2% of the total cases reported in both the waves were in the 0-14 age group while the death rate was below one. However, experts fear that those below 18 will be at greater risk during the third wave.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, a 10-day-old male infant has been the youngest victim of Covid in Punjab.
To safeguard children, Punjab has started assessing the impact of the possible third wave for better preparedness and ramping up paediatric health infrastructure by fill the gaps in existing infrastructure. As the clinical requirement of children is different from adults, the plan includes setting up paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) beds and ventilators, ensuring the availability of required equipment and drugs in the districts.
Dr KK Talwar, Punjab government’s adviser on health issues, maintained that the government is looking to increase paediatric ICU facilities and ventilators so that children who develop severe complications can be treated.
Besides this, the government has prepared a training module for doctors and medical staff and is also working on updating the treatment protocol.
The government has also started procuring fingertip paediatric pulse oximeters that will be distributed along with free Covid Fateh kits containing medicine. So far it has purchased about 1,000 such devices.
Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said, “Experts have put in place a plan keeping in mind the worst case scenario. We just need to finalise the numbers of ICU beds, ventilators and other equipment required. The decision is likely to be taken in a meeting to be chaired by the chief minister in the coming days.”
Experts and various reports have opined that the intensity of the third wave will be like the second wave. However, damage can be controlled if proper preparations – ramping up of infrastructure and rigorous vaccination -- are done. The latest research report of State Bank of India has held that vaccination should be the key priority, especially for the children who could be the next vulnerable group. The report recommended that the central government should go for an advanced procurement strategy like that adopted by developed nations to vaccinate this age group.