Even as Jammu and Kashmir is opening up in phases, it is also ramping up medical infrastructure, particularly in childcare, to face a possible third wave of coronavirus infection which many scientists have warned about. 

Spokesperson Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mir Mushtaq, said they have already trained health care workers of all the hospitals for a possible third wave.

In May, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s Advisory Committee in its report had said that children,  pregnant women, suburban population and people living in far-flung regions could be targets of the possible third wave.

“In view of the expected third wave of the Covid19, we have started new paediatric intensive care units,  neonatal intensive care units, special newborn care units and have also upgraded existing ones across district and sub-district hospitals,” Mushtaq said.

As part of measures to upgrade paediatric health, the DHSK has started a first kind 6 bedded ICU and 30 bedded paediatric ward at district hospital Pulwama.

Recently, DHSK inaugurated a six-bedded high dependency unit (HDU) for gynaecology and a high dependency paediatric unit was also inaugurated at District Hospital Budgam.

As per officials, the high dependency unit for gynaecology, meant for high-risk pregnancies, will now decrease referrals to Srinagar hospitals and will provide relief for patients.

Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather said paediatric units are being made functional in view of the possible third wave and modernise the health care.

“Our preparations are in full swing. We are ready with everything especially in the rural areas because a  possible third is expected to hit rural areas and children as well,” he said.

He said the possible third Covid-19 wave may come anytime while adding that if there is any powerful tool to save people it is the vaccination.

“So I appeal to people to get vaccinated. Vaccination would not only save us but our families and communities. The vaccination has no side effects. Those who have been vaccinated there is less mortality and morbidity among them,” he added.(SAM)