"Paediatric Facilities Nowhere Close," Report Warns On 3rd Wave, Children

Concerns over a third wave have been frequently expressed, particularly with potentially more virulent variants in circulation - such as the 'delta plus'

There is no immediate evidence to suggest a third COVID-19 wave will affect children more than adults, the National Institute of Disaster Management has said in a report that cites the Indian Academy of Paediatrics and the Lancet COVID-19 Commission's Regional (India) Task Force. The report, however, also says there is "cause for worry, if not panic" since children in India remain unvaccinated, and existing paediatric facilities "are not robust enough to treat on a large scale". The issue of vaccines for children has been at least partially resolved with the national drug regulator last week approving Zydus Cadila's three-dose RNA vaccine for children over 12. A second vaccine - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin - is expected to be approved by September. The issue of adequate paediatric healthcare facilities is also being addressed, the NIDM said in its report, with the centre directing all hospitals to allocate 20 per cent of available beds for children.