7.17 lakh children in state vulnerable: Expert panel

A five-member committee studied epidemiological models to work out the possible impact of a probable third wave on children

RANCHI: Nearly 7.17 lakh children out of state’s 1.43 crore estimated population aged between 0-18 years are vulnerable to coronavirus infection, a five-member expert committee set up to sketch out plans to tackle the probable third wave of Covid-19 pandemic has found.

Chief minister Hemant Soren released the committee’s 200page report on Tuesday.

The committee, chaired by IAS officer and state nodal officer (hospital bed management) Shantanu Agrahari, comprising expert doctors studied epidemiological models to work out on the possible impact of the third wave on children. It suggested measures to minimise the impact, besides pointing out gaps in the state’s health infrastructure and human resources.

Based on epidemiological models, the committee has predicted that at an estimated 5% positivity rate of the disease, nearly 7.17 lakh children out of an estimated 1.43 crore population of this group may contract the contagion during the third wave. It further says that nearly 40% (2.87 lakh) of these 7.17 lakh vulnerable children will be symptomatic patients. Among the symptomatic patients, nearly 3% (8,610) will be severe cases requiring ICU facilities.

Health infrastructure facilities

The expert panel has suggested to set up one paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) containing 20 beds with facilities of ventilator, high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapies in each commissionary headquarters (Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh, Medninagar and Dumka). It also suggested to set up one PICU containing 10 beds with HFNC and CPAP facility in every district hospital.

The committee has suggested to install at least two ventilators in every district hospital.

For community health centres, it has proposed to set up four beds with HFNC facility, and 10 oxygen supported beds.

It has also laid stress on availability of well-equipped ambulances with nurses/doctors.

Adequate training for human resources

The committee has recommended to train doctors and nurses in basic PICU care. It has said that training related to Covid-19 infection and related diseases should be given to all health care workers.

Besides, AYUSH doctors should be trained and prepared for community visits and management of cases.

Special focus on malnourished children

Considering the fact that some districts in Jharkhand are home to a number of malnourished children, the committee has proposed to upgrade the malnutrition treatment centres (MTC) into paediatric high dependency unit (HDU).

“MTC can be upgraded to HDU with an alternative arrangement for the treatment of severe acute malnourished (SAM) children with medical complications,” it says.

Lessons taken from second wave

Taking lessons from the ongoing and ebbing second wave of the pandemic, the committee has stressed on having adequately trained manpower for handling emergencies, planning and strategic cells, collaboration with pharma companies and robust referral and transport mechanism.