Pune : Policenama online – Clamping a lockdown again is not a solution to check the possible third wave of Covid-19. Citizens should be encouraged to follow the norms. This was the refrain in a meeting of the Pune Platform for Covid Response (PPCR).
Workload on city hospitals will grow considerably in the coming days as the number of Covid-19 patients is steadily growing. Necessary arrangements will have to be made after reviewing the health system, said speakers in the meeting.
The PPCR has been set up by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). The meeting was chaired by MCCIA and PPCR president Sudhir Mehta. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Division former head Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital Senior director Dr Dhananjay Kelkar, National Chemical Laboratory director Dr Ashish Lele, MCCIA former chairmen Pradeep Bhargava and Mukesh Malhotra, its director general Prashant Girbane were present.
Dr Kelkar said, “All hospitals should be prepared and ready. Gyms and stadiums are readied in the United Kingdom to admit patients. A majority of Omicron patients may not need ventilator support. Those who have not taken the vaccine should do so immediately.”
“Various theories are being floated about the third wave. However, we must be prepared,” said Dr Gangakhedkar, and added, “Omicron-infected patients have very mild symptoms. Though hospitalisations due to Omicron are less, the load on the health system will definitely rise. The number of children getting affected will be high. Alternative test methods will have to be developed instead of depending on genome sequencing.”
Bhargava suggested that an audit needs to be done urgently of the oxygen plants, BiPAP machines and oxygen contractors supplied through the PPCR. A redistribution of material can be done assessing the number of patients getting admitted.
Malhotra said, “We have now realised that a lockdown will not solve the problem. We should avoid it. Stringent measures are necessary at the local level if the number of patients goes up.”
Mehta said the Covid-19 protocol should be strictly followed. All renowned doctors should come together and issue a notification as to how citizens should protect themselves from the infection. This will have a positive impact on citizens.
Girbane said the PMC should declare the number of patients needing hospitalisation.
It was suggested that biomedical engineers’ teams should be formed to repair and maintain medical equipment and systems. Availability of paediatricians should be ensured as more children are likely to get affected in the third wave.
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