In anticipation of a surge of infections among young children, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have set up a child health institute and community and home isolation facilities.
The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health is ready to accommodate COVID-infected children aged 5-11, with 70 beds and five negative pressure rooms, according to Dr. Adisai Pattanatang, the institute’s director.
Moreover, the institute can provide health care to the group of children undergoing treatment at home or in community isolation facilities and those who require hospitalisation.
The institute has made preparations to provide vaccinations to children in the 5-11 age group, most of whom are yet to be inoculated.
The institute recently admitted a four-month old baby infected with COVID-19. According to Dr. Somsak Akksilp, director-general of the Medical Services Department, they have coordinated with the institute to admit the child for treatment, adding that the infant has a runny nose and a productive cough but can drink milk and rest normally.
The Medical Services Department predicts that more children will become infected, as the new wave spreads rapidly across the country, but their conditions will not be serious if they have no underlying conditions.
The BMA has set up six triage centres, each equipped with 50 beds, to accommodate infected children. Each room will be shared by 3-4 children, so they can enjoy activities together.
The city administration has also set up one community isolation facility to accommodate foreign migrant workers and, if necessary, more facilities may be established, each with a capacity to house 100 patients.
