Ahead of possible third wave, Pediatric ward planned at all district hospitals: Health & Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar
3 min read
We cannot say that third wave has started. Second wave is yet to subdue. We must take care of our children to protect them from virus.
Bengaluru: “To ensure preparedness for a possible third wave, state government has decided to set up pediatrics wards in all the district hospitals,” said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
Dr Sudhakar chaired a meeting with senior officials of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Departments to review the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state and containment measures.
Speaking to media after the meeting, minister said that “oxygen generation plant will be set up in every taluk hospital and district hospital across the state. A dedicated 70-80 bed pediatrics ward will be arranged in all district hospitals. Additional pediatricians and nursing staff will also be recruited wherever it is necessary. A special training session will be conducted through RGUHS to train MBBS and other technical staff,” said the Minister.
Seven genomic labs will be established across the state to study the mutated strains found in second wave. These labs will come up at 5 medical colleges, Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru and Vijayapura District Hospital. This study will help us to understand the virus better and for development of better medicine and treatment protocol based on the nature of virus.
CM will decide on easing restrictions
Technical Advisory Committee has submitted its report and CM will decide on modalities of easing restrictions gradually. Experts have advised that restrictions can be eased if positivity rate is less than 5% and the number to cases reduces to 5,000. However, positivity rate is still high in many districts. So we need to exercise caution, Minister said.
State has received another consignment of 1.64 lakh doses of covaxin. The available stock will be used to vaccinate citizens above 45 years who are due for second dose. Vaccine will be eventually made available to all once the supply increases, he added.
State will get more Amphotericin
Black fungus infection is treatable. However in some cases where the infection has reached eyes, removal becomes inevitable to weed out even the tiniest trace of the infection so that it doses not invade the brain. If the fungus invades brain it is very dangerous. Hence eyes are removed to stop the spread to brain and not due to lack of medicine. Treatment of black fungus will be decided by Ophthalmologists, ENT Specialists based on the condition of each case. I am in constant touch with Union Minister to ensure sufficent supply of medicine, Minister said.
It is reported that two kids whose parents have recovered from Covid might have been infected from Kawasaki. Malnutrition and other social factors are among the causes for this. Government is closely tracking such cases, he said.
Other points made by Minister
Till 19 years of age, children should be treated in consultation with pediatricians. We need to crates awareness about this.
Government is preparing for a possible third wave
There is no question of hiding numbers. We have provided information to even oppostion leaders whenever they have asked.
We cannot say that third wave has started. Second wave is yet to subdue. We must take care of our children to protect them from virus.
Vaccination centres should not deny vaccine once the slot is confirmed. Action will be initiated against those centres which deny vaccine even after slot confirmation.
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