DMCH Ludhiana okays Covaxin trial on kids

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 5

Ludhiana’s Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) has given nod to Bharat Biotech for clinical trial of Covaxin on kids aged between four and 12 years.

With the prediction of children being more vulnerable in the third wave, the trial is being carried out and the company is approaching medical colleges across the country.

Dr Bishav Mohan, medical superintendent of Hero DMCH Heart Institute, said the company approached the hospital authorities, who agreed to the request. “The initial formalities for the trial run have begun. Once all the paper work is done, the company will inform us and fresh guidelines will be issued accordingly,” he said, adding that permission would be sought from parents of the children being considered for the trial.

He said in order to prepare for the third wave, Christian Medical College and Hospital had set up a 50-bed paediatric Covid care ward, DMCH was also setting up one and the administration was preparing the Civil Hospital for it.

The Mother and Child Hospital, part of the Civil Hospital, has nine ventilators and 19 beds equipped with oxygen supply in the newborn intensive care unit, but due to lack of trained staff those are lying un-operational for the past two years.

“Infrastructure is there, but there is lack of trained manpower. A committee has been formed by the district administration, funds are being raised and a tie-up has been done with three groups who will help in training the Civil Hospital staff. These facilities will prove helpful post-Covid as well,” he added.