As experts warn of a third wave predicted to affect children more, the West Bengal government is augmenting paediatric facilities in the state, by increasing beds for children and critical care units.
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Here are the steps being taken by the state government:
• The state government said it is increasing the amount of paediatric beds in Bengal, especially the critical unit treatment facility at every district level.
» 1550 CCU beds (critical care unit).
» 528 PICU (Pediatric intensive care unit) beds, out of which 244 are currently functioning and 284 have to be set up.
» 270 NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit) beds out of which 161 are functional are 109 are to set up.
» In total, the government will set up 2,348 beds under CCU, PICU, NICU facilities.
» A total of 160 SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit) beds will also be augmented, increasing the number of functioning SNCU beds to 2,476.
• Training of doctors including pediatricians and general duty medical officers, nursing staff and other support staff has also been arranged by the government.
• An expert committee was formed with renowned pediatricians and physicians, both from the medical colleges and private sectors to formulate the guidelines and circulate them.
• A list of medicines was finalised by the expert committee and the process of procurement has been started.
• Rural caretakers such as ASHA workers have also been sensitised on Covid-19 care. They will look for symptoms related to the disease in public and help in its management and also provide guidance to families of children infected.
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