MCPCR urges for Covid testing of children
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 14 2021:
Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) chairperson Manibabu Phurailat-pam has urged Health Services director to make arrangements for providing Covid-19 test for Child in Need of Care and Protection (CNPC) category.
In a memorandum addressed to the director, the Commission pointed out that subsequent to cases during the Covid-19 second wave increasing rapidly in the state, there have been instances of many parents contracting the disease.
As there is high risk that the virus may be transmitted to their children, it is of utmost importance to look after the welfare of children whose parents contracted the virus and the children left vulnerable.
Under JJ Act, 2015, every child should be provided with minimum standards of care and rights of such child upheld and protected, it said.
The Commission reiterated that children whose parents have tested positive for Covid-19 should be examined immediately and necessary steps taken up.
It also referred to reports from Childline that several children could not go to the hospitals/lab for Covid-19 test due to factors such as financial constraints, lack of assistance and adult members in the household, etc.
In such a situation, it is required to make arrangement for providing Covid-19 test to such children like provisions for sample collection at home, arrangements of conveyance from home to hospital/lab or any other means deemed appropriate.
Information on children who are in need of such arrangements may be availed from Childline (Helpline no.1098) and State and District Child Protection services, it further said.