Paediatric task force expands with doctors from outside Mumbai

The likely third wave of the pandemic is expected to be harsh on children

To widen its perspective ahead of a potential third wave, the state paediatric task force has got new members from places other than Mumbai. While well-known child specialist Dr Akash Bang is now a part of it, a neonatologist from Aurangabad has also been drafted.

The task force has been working on a children-centric strategy for the state to deal with the possible third wave of the pandemic which is expected to be harsh on kids. Experts have welcomed the inclusion of experts from other cities and diverse fields, saying it is better to be prepared than be caught unawares later.

"Having a neonatologist and paediatricians from across the state will add value to the paediatric task force. Babies born to Covid-19 positive mothers have so far done well. We can however not rule out how things will be in the third wave.

Healthcare workers will be trained to tell when a child should be taken to hospital in Covid-19 and what parameters need referral. Representation pic

You need certain recommendations on how to handle such babies. They can be symptomatic or asymptomatic too," said a state health official.

The state paediatric task force will guide the government on ways to avoid transmission and develop treatment protocols.

Dr Akash Bang, a paediatrician from Nagpur with significant teaching and training experience in rural Maharashtra, said awareness of public, training of healthcare professionals and frontline workers at community level and ensuring availability of certain equipment for treatment paediatric patients are a few challenges that need to be dealt with in rural parts of Maharashtra.

Also Read: 'No scientific evidence so far to suggest the possibility of a third Covid-19 wave mainly affecting children'

"Children have been getting affected in both the first wave and second wave. What is crucial is identifying mild Covid-19 infection's deterioration to moderate or severe levels in children. This can be achieved by empowering, training and capacity building of manpower in rural Maharashtra," said the well-known child specialist.

Dr Rishikesh Thakre is the neonatologist in the team. Dr Bang and Dr Thakre apart, the task force includes Dr Vijay Yewale, Dr Bakul Parekh, Dr Bela Verma, Dr Sudha Rao, Dr Parmanand Aandankar, Dr Vinay Joshi, Dr Sushama Save, Dr Jitendra Gavhane, Dr Pramod Jog, Dr Aarti Kinnikar, and director Medical Education as the member secretary.

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No. of members in the task force