Make 4-bed ICU functional in all district hospitals: Govt

Patna: All district hospitals where ICUs are currently non-functional have been instructed to operationalise a minimum four-bed ICU or HDU for treating critical cases and emergencies such as cardiac arrest, snake bites, and dog bites.

These directions were issued by health secretary Kumar Ravi during a review of various health programmes, hospital services, and schemes under the National Health Mission in the state. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening ICU/HDU facilities for emergency services, and instructions were given to phase out referral services within a stipulated timeframe. The meeting also assessed the timely availability of health services and the progress of key programmes.

Addressing the meeting, Ravi said the state government’s objective is to provide quality, accessible, and time-bound healthcare to every citizen.

Districts were also directed to operationalise ICU facilities in 11 upgraded trauma centres by July 15 to ensure rapid treatment for road accident victims. The development of technology to tag national highway (NH) ambulances was also discussed, enabling accident victims to be tracked and taken to designated hospitals for immediate care.

Instructions were issued to completely stop referrals from district hospitals by July 15 and from all community health centres by August 15. Ravi also directed that where X-ray machines are non-functional, services must be ensured by linking the facility with an alternative centre.

Proper signage must be installed at prominent locations in sadar hospitals to inform patients about available services.

The meeting was attended by Amit Kumar Pandey, executive director of the State Health Society, along with senior officials of the health department and civil surgeons.