The civil hospital at Mangaldai in Assam’s Darrang district will be setting up a Covid pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) for children with the possibility of a third wave looming large on India.
The Assam government is also planning to strengthen the critical care facilities of the existing pediatric ICU.
“We have received a proposal from the Assam government to set up a separate Covid pediatric ICU in our hospital and its construction will begin soon,” said Gopinath Bora, superintendent of Mangaldai Civil Hospital said.
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“The central oxygen connection will be extended to all the 14 beds in the existing pediatric ICU. Presently the central oxygen line is connected to five beds,” said senior pediatrician Gautam Bora, who is also in charge of the pediatric ICU of the Mangaldai Civil Hospital.
Pediatric patients from the age group of 29 days to 12 years are being treated in the pediatric ICU, which is equipped with two ventilators.
On the other hand, three beds are designated for Covid patients in the 18 bedded Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) for newborns up to 28 days of age.
“So far we have successfully treated three children with Covid-19, one infant and two children during the second wave. Fortunately no casualty involving children has been reported so far in the district,” Bora said.