Safety Of Children Be Prioritized Ahead Of Possible Third Wave Of COVID, Urges Karnataka Commission For Protection Of Child Rights

In a letter written to the government on May 12 the commission has recommended that "Anticipating that the third wave of Corona will affect children and hence to prevent large number of children being affected, the safety and health of children needs to be prioritized and pre-planning of medical infrastructure needs to be devised and it is vital to set up Pediatric Task Force in very District".

The letter also recommends the government to reserve a fixed number of beds for infected children in all District and Government designated private hospitals.

Further, it has said that expert advice from Paediatricians and Child specialists of the State on matters related to managing the COVID infection should be taken. Also look into the aspects like the cost of treating infected children, necessary equipment and the methods to be followed and take immediate steps to provide necessary facilities.

The commission has also recommended that due to the surge in the COVID-19 infections in the State, many children are orphaned due to the death of both their parents from COVID infection. Such children should be produced before the Child Welfare Committee and suitable measures undertaken for protection of children as per the provisions of the Law.

"These children should be protected from illegal adoption, misuse and other child rights violations. The chances of these children being infected is high and hence they are more vulnerable to mental trauma," it said.

The commission also recommends that special hospitals be set up for the medical treatment of these children following the Maharashtra Model.

Recently, the Karnataka High Court has directed the State Government to in two weeks time come out with an action plan and vision statement dealing with the state 's preparedness for dealing with the third possible wave of Covid-19.