BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to assess the extent of Covid infection ahead of the third wave, Odisha government has decided to start RT-PCR tests of children coming to hospitals for treatment.
As per the decision taken at the State level Task Force on paediatric Covid care chaired by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, all children getting admitted at different paediatric units will be tested for Covid-19.
For effective monitoring and supervision, a district-level task force will be constituted under the chairmanship of collector and other members, including CDMO, district wing officers, senior paediatric specialist and anesthesia specialist.
The collectors have been directed to take a meeting in this regard and ensure swab collection facility at all hospitals. The Director of Public Health has been asked to chalk out a detailed strategy and monitor it regularly.
"All children reporting at the hospitals across the State irrespective of their symptoms will undergo RT-PCR tests. This will not only help detect Covid cases among the paediatric population, but also give an impression of level of infection in the age group. The Covid screening will start soon for appropriate remedial measures," said a health official.
Sources said the State has 1.4 crore population of people aged below 18 years old for whom Covid vaccine has not been introduced yet. They are considered most vulnerable during the third wave apart from the people aged over 18 years who have not been vaccinated.
As per the latest national serosurvey conducted by the ICMR in three districts of the State, 55 per cent (pc) in the 10-17 age group and around 52 pc in the six to nine years population had developed antibodies against SARS-CoV2.
Additional Chief Secretary of Health PK Mohapatra said the situation in other states and countries is being referred in coordination with WHO and Unicef officials for better appreciation of the current trend of infection in the paediatric group.
"At least 50 pc of ICU, PICU and NICU will be earmarked for Covid cases for immediate management. Stand-alone paediatric Covid hospitals will be set up on PPP mode in five municipal corporations if required. RT-PCR labs in all districts will be ready by end of this month," he added.
Of the 3.1 crore projected beneficiaries, 1.86 crore people have been administered with at least a single dose vaccine and 43 lakh with double doses in the State. With nearly 50 lakh doses a month, it will take at least six months more to cover all age-appropriate beneficiaries.