PCMC sets up Pediatric Covid Task Force, audit of hospitals underway

Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Patil announced the setting up of the task force, which will be headed by Dr Deepali Ambike, head of the Pediatric department at YCM Hospital, and comprise many prominent doctors from city hospitals.

Children at pediatric ward of YCM hospital

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation on Wednesday set up a six-member Pediatric Task Force of expert pediatricians from civic and private hospitals. The task force started an audit of hospitals across Pimpri-Chinchwad on Wednesday.

Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Patil announced the setting up of the task force, which will be headed by Dr Deepali Ambike, head of the Pediatric department at YCM Hospital, and comprise many prominent doctors from city hospitals.

“Since experts have a predicted a third wave in which children are likely to be the most affected, the PCMC has initiated measures to tackle such a situation. We have set up a six-member task force of expert pediatricians to decide on treatment, management of ICU beds and other preventive steps. The task force will provide guidance for treatment of children,” the PCMC chief said.

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Dr Ambike told The Indian Express on Wednesday that the first job before the task force was conducting an audit of hospitals. “This involves trying to find out the number of hospitals treating children… and availability of children’s wards, ICU facilities, oxygen and ventilators,” she said.

Dr Ambike said as the task force has been set up in anticipation of the third wave, which may affect children more than the previous waves, the Task Force will form treatment protocols as per the guidelines of the central government and execute them in all hospitals treating children.

“Recruiting manpower will be a challenge, especially trained doctors and nurses for child care and treatment. We will also have to check the availability of equipment like ventilators…,” she said.

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She also highlighted the importance of educating parents through videos and webinars on precautions to be taken in the third wave to protect children against Covid-19.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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