VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh health department is preparing more than 50,000 oxygen and ICU beds for the anticipated third wave of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, an almost two-fold increase compared to the second wave.
Considering the reports that children may be more susceptible to the novel coronavirus disease in the third wave, extra beds are being created to treat the paediatric cases.
The health department is setting up 140 pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants in hospitals having more than 50 beds to cater to 100% of ICU beds and 50% of non-ICU beds.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty over the timing and impact of the anticipated third wave, the state seems to be bracing for the worst scenario. There was a sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 cases during the second wave, particularly those seeking oxygen and ICU care.
The second wave placed an unprecedented strain on the healthcare system in Andhra Pradesh with the shortage of liquid medical oxygen at the hospitals.
