The state health department has sanctioned over Rs 21 crore for equipment in government-run hospitals to treat children and adults infected with Covid-19.

“The state has allotted Rs 21.36 crore for equipment to be supplied by the West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Limited. These include 1,500 syringe pumps, 100 non-invasive BiPAP ventilators, 200 bubble CPAP machines, 25 blood gas analysers and 20 echocardiography machines,” said Sushanta Roy, the officer on special duty deputed by the department in north Bengal.

These will be sent to districts on the basis of requisition. “We should be prepared for the third wave, especially when there are apprehensions regarding children,” said a doctor.