India witnessed a sharp decline in coronavirus cases in recent days. However, now the committee set up by the Union Home Ministry said that the third wave of coronavirus is likely to reach its peak around October and the children will be the most vulnerable as they will be severely affected as adults.
The Niti Aayog head member, VK Paul, who is also heading the coronavirus task force of the central government has asked the central government to prepare 2 lakh ICU beds. Paul further said that the country is likely to witness a staggering 4-5 lakh coronavirus infections daily.
In the statement, it was also mentioned that there will be a critical need for paediatric facilities including the doctors, staff and equipment like ventilators and ambulances if a large number of children got infected by the virus.
The experts have also said that the vaccination drive should be the top priority for children with comorbidities and those with special needs. Earlier, Union health minister Mansukh Madvaiya dropped a hint about the vaccination drive for children and he said that the vaccination drive for children is likely to begin from September.
Meanwhile, Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said that the central government was fully prepared to deal with a possible third wave, and the special focus will be on strengthening paediatric care.
The Niti Aayog has also suggested the government be prepared as the worse is coming. They said that the government should be prepared with 2 lakh ICU beds, 1.2 lakh ICU beds with ventilators, 7 lakh non-ICU hospital beds of which 5 lakh should be oxygen enabled, and 10 lakh COVID isolation care beds should be ready by the next month.