To deal with Covid-19 cases among children, India’s hospitals need to be differently prepared

The medical expertise, equipment and approach needed to treat children with Covid-19 is unique and this is a challenge in India where the health infrastructure has been hit by decades of underfunding and neglect, say experts. Vaccination against the virus too is necessary for children but a host of complex issues need to be resolved first, they say.

The Centre and state governments are increasingly stressing preparedness to deal with paediatric Covid care: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a meeting with local government officials on May 20, urged them to collect data on how Covid-19 is affecting children. Maharashtra has set up a state task force focussed on infection among children and the Delhi government is planning one as well.

So far, there is no science nor are there data to back widespread fears that children will be hit more severely in the anticipated third wave of the pandemic. Infections among children have been mild, and even severe cases among them tend to be treatable, IndiaSpend reported on May 23. It is also likely that the number of cases among children in the second surge is linked to the sheer number of cases in a short span, said doctors.

What can be done to make paediatric care for Covid-19 more efficient? Experts from the fields…

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