Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Jun 1: “The effect of the second wave of Covid is coming under control in the district. As the third wave is inevitable, precautionary measures will have to be adopted now itself. A team of medical experts in the district should prepare a suitable set of measures and provide suggestions to tackle the spread,” said deputy commissioner G Jagadeesh.
He was speaking after presiding over a meeting held with members of the experts' committee at the district panchayat auditorium on Tuesday, June 1.
The first wave of Covid was found among people above 60 years of age and the second wave has affected mostly those between the age of 30 and 55 years. All people, except those under 18 years are being vaccinated at present. The third wave is likely to affect those below the age of 18 years. The infection to children in the first and second wave was only 3%. Though there is no clear picture of how the third wave will spread, the experts opined that it is necessary to take precautions.
“The number of beds necessary to accommodate people who will likely be impacted by the third wave should be identified immediately. The number of beds should be increased if possible. Necessary medical facilities should be kept ready and if vaccinations are available to children by then, the spread of the virus can be contained,” experts asserted.
The deputy commissioner stated that the doctors and their assistants should be trained to collect swab samples from children. He also asked concerned to prepare a brochure about procedures to treat children.
“A child-friendly Covid centre should be set up. There should be facilities for parents to stay in these centres and sufficient stock of masks for kids should be maintained. 107 beds have been set aside for their treatment in the district. Purchase medical instruments that can be used for the treatment of kids,” said the DC.
“Prepare a database of people who have succumbed to the infection and submit the reports. The details of how they died will help in forming measures to prevent future deaths,” he said.
“The programme ‘Vaidyara Nade Halligala Kadege’ (Doctors for Villages) is progressing successfully. The doctors should be assigned from IMA,” said the deputy commissioner.
"Train ASHA and Anganwadi workers to conduct health checkups on children," said district panchayat chief executive Dr Navin Bhat.
Additional deputy commissioner, Sadashiva Prabhu, DHO, Dr Nagabhooshan Udupa, district surgeon, Madhusoodan Nayak, Covid nodal officer, Dr Prashanth Bhat, Dr Premananda, top doctors from various hospitals in the district and health department officials were present.