New Delhi, July 15

As part of preparations for a possible third wave of Covid-19, the Union Government on Thursday asked all states and UTs to identify medical infrastructure gaps, including in paediatric facilities, and send expenditure proposals for speedy clearance.

Edit: Arrest vax slide

The Health Ministry reviewed preparations under the recently approved Rs 23,123 crore Covid-19 emergency response package with health secretaries and senior officials of all states and UTs.

They were told to focus on ramping up the test, track, treat and isolate strategy, scaling up testing capacity and projecting the demand for additional beds, including for paediatric care, and makeshift hospitals at sub-district levels.

Among other focus areas are availability of critical drugs, testing and PPE kits and medical oxygen and enhancing skilled medical and paramedical workforce. —TNS