By Archana Sharma

Jaipur, June 6 (IANS): A hearing impaired girl was among 14 minors, including a 3-year-old toddler, who won the corona battle in Dungarpur and were discharged, said health officials on Saturday.

They said the Covid-care centres in the district were made children-friendly keeping in view their special needs. Attempts were made to ensure that the children did not miss their homes much and recover quickly.

Water colours, sketch pens, crayons, paintbrush, games, puzzles were all provided to the children to keep them engaged. Besides, their parents who had tested negative were also involved in the recovery process.

The hospital staff was jubilant when the 8-year-old minor, who tested positive after coming from Ahmedabad to Dungarpur, was discharged from hospital.

"There were many challenges," says block Chief Medical Officer Aaspur (in Dungarpur) Dr Alankar Gupta. "While her father had tested Covid positive, her mother was negative. However, looking at the circumstances, it was important for her mother to stay with her daughter to give her mental strength.

But the other challenge was her mother's pregnancy.

"In such a situation, we had to be extremely careful. Special arrangements were made in the Covid-care centre for this girl to ensure her mother stays with her without getting infected."

Special games were introduced in view of her disability. "At the same time, we ensured that her mother is with her and she too remains safe," said Dr Gupta.

Besides this minor girl, there were 19 asymptomatic children under 10-year age group who were handled with utmost care at Covid care centres. There were two 4-year-old boys who had come with their parents from other states. Both their parents were negative, however, looking at their situation, a special ward was created for them to look into their needs and their mothers were allowed to stay with them, according to Block CMO Simalwada, Dr Narendra Prajapat.

Under 0-5 age group, there were four boys and girls each and under 6-10 age group, there were 7 boys and 5 girls. Overall, 20 kids were admitted in these centres who had come from Mumbai and Ahmedabad, out of which 14 have been discharged, said CMHO Dr Mahendra Parmar.

The first report of the remaining 6 kids has come negative. "Now we are waiting for a second report," said Chhaya Chaubisa, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.

District Collector Kanaram said the children were caught in a delicate emotional situation about which everyone was deeply concerned.

"The situation became tougher when their parents tested negative. So, the Covid-care centres were designed keeping in view the kids' needs. We provided them colours to paint and play, music to dance and other interesting games, including Antakshari, so that they could feel the family environment," said Kanaram.

These children were also given Ayurvedic 'kadha' (a concoction of herbs) for their quick recovery, said Dr Abhay Maliwad, AYUSH department Nodal Officer.