KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged hospitals to stay prepared against the prospective third and fourth wave of coronavirus.

Issuing a press statement on Friday, the Ministry has asked the hospitals to set aside 20 percent of the total number of beds for children infected with coronavirus, saying children could be more affected by the third and fourth wave of the virus.

The Ministry has also asked to arrange for the prospective need of oxygen for the children.

“As the first wave and the second wave have infected a large number of adults and young people, the arrangement of the facilities should be done for upcoming waves,” the statement said, adding, “There is the possibility of third and fourth waves, therefore kindly allocate at least 20% of approved beds for use in the treatment of COVID-19 infected children.”

The Ministry has written to the Department of Health Services, Teku, Ministry of Social Development of all Provinces 1, 2, Bagmati, Karnali and Sudurpaschim, Ministry of Health and Population of Lumbini and Association of Private and Dental Colleges of Nepal and Association of Private Health Institutions of Nepal (AFIN) to support, coordinate and facilitate in the arrangement accordingly.