Bhubaneswar: Odisha might witness over 19000 daily COVID-19 cases during the peak of possible 3rd wave, stated the government.
In a letter to all the District Collectors and Magistrates, PK Mohapatra, the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department said that the effect of the possible third wave of COVID-19 pandemic will remain for 75 days.
During the 75 days, the cases may reach 19,278 during the peak period and 10,217 cases may come on a per day average in Odisha. Similarly, the total number of cases is expected to be around 7,66,275 in these 75 days compared to 5,21,150 in the second wave (from April 1 to June 15), he said.
According to the estimate, 91953 in the age group of 0-18 are likely to be infected.
Mohapatra, in the letter, asked the district collectors to remain prepared till March 2022.
Keeping the scenario in mind, the State has issued guidelines to spend Rs 800 crore sanctioned by the Centre under the Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package: Phase-II (ECRP-II), 2021-22 to combat the COVID emergency and strengthen public healthcare delivery system during the third wave of the pandemic.
Major activities approved under ECRP Phase-II are as follows:
- COVID essential diagnostics (Provision of Rapid Antigen & RT-PCR Test kits & establishment of RT-PCR Labs) and drugs (8 types of essential drugs).
- Establishment of Dedicated Pediatric Care Units (20/ 30 bedded Oxygen supported wards & 12 bedded Hybrid ICU).
- Establishment of Prefab units at PHC (6 bedded) & CHC (20 bedded) level.
- Provision of additional ICU Beds in existing lCUs.
- Establishment of 50 bedded field hospitals at selected DHH/ SDH/ CHC level.
- Upgrading BLS to ALS Ambulance for augmenting the capacity of referral transportation services.
- Support for establishment Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) & Medical Gas Pipeline System (MGPS).
- Provision for engagement of additional Human Resources (i.e. Medical PG Residents, Medical UG interns, Final Year MBBS students, Final Year GNM Nursing students & Final Year BSc. Nursing students only).
- Strengthening implementation of e-HMIS at DHH level through the support of OCAC & CDAC.
- Strengthening Hub (MCHs), Sub-Hub (DHHs) & Spokes (COVID Care Centers) for teleconsultation services in the State.
- Capacity building for strengthening COVID management services, wherever required.
