Maharashtra: Health Department Says 3rd Wave Could Bring 60 Lakh New COVID Cases

The Maharashtra Public Health Department has estimated that the state could witness up to 60 lakh new COVID-19 cases during the third wave which is anticipated by September-October 2021. The Public Health Department’s assessment was based on the guidelines issued by the Central Government. 

The department added that although the State Government has made provisions for ₹1,200 crores towards preparedness measures, it will need an additional ₹4,000 crores. An official familiar with the matter said that the funds will be allocated from DPDC, CSR, SDRF, MP, and MLA funds. 

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“Since all districts may not peak on the same day, the highest number of active cases in each district is required to be added and based on that, the state will have to prepare for a peak of 12.95 lakh cases in the third wave against 8.6 lakh cases during the second wave,” Additional Chief Secretary Pradeep Vyas said.

The chief secretary has written to Zilla Parishad CEOs, district civil surgeons, and every district collector about the plan to combat the next wave. 

As per the health department’s estimate, a total of 12.95 lakh cases will appear during the peak. Of this, 8.4 lakh are expected to be under home isolation while 4.5 lakh patients may require hospitalisation.  

“Out of the maximum expected peak cases, it is presumed that 65% will be under home isolation, while 17.5% will go to private health facilities, and the remaining to public health facilities,” a senior official explained.

The Additional Chief Secretary mentioned that the planning will be based on the formula of taking the maximum active cases and adding 50 per cent. This will give the authorities a good idea of what the peak could look like. 

The State COVID Task Force has concurred with the Centre’s specific guidelines for infants and children. Under this proposal, 5 per cent of the beds in dedicated COVID hospitals are reserved for paediatric cases. Meanwhile, dedicated COVID healthcare centres have to reserve at least 10 per cent of the beds for kids/infants while a COVID Care Centre has to set aside 15 per cent of the beds.

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