Rashmi Ranjan

Bhubaneswar: In view of the possibility of increased incidence of coronavirus cases in paediatric population in future, Odisha on Sunday formed a committee to consolidate the preparedness for management of COVID-19 for this group.

According to notification issued by the State Health and Family Welfare department, the eight-member committee will be headed by Directorate of Medical Education & Training (DMET), while Director Family Welfare. Odisha will be convenor of the body.

The other members of the committee are Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Directorate of Public Health (DPH), Professor Dr J N Behera, Superintendent of SVPPGIP, Dr Nihar Ray, Lead, Regional Office WHO, Sourav Bhattacharya, UNICEF, Bhubaneswar and Dr. S.R Biswal, secretary IAP, Odisha State Branch.

The committee will suggest the preparedness including augmentation of infrastructure, training of HR and formulate SOP for management of COVID-19 in paediatrics population and submit the report to the Government.

Earlier on Saturday, the government had formed a high-level advisory committee to combat and arrest the present trend of Covid-19 pandemic. 

The committee has been entrusted with the responsibilities of suggesting measures to the State government in the fight against the virus, vaccination and handling the possible third wave of the pandemic.

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