Bhagalpur hospitals to launch ICU, HDU facilities from July 1

LNJNSH will feature a 10-bed hybrid Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), including two ventilator beds, while the SSH attached to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JLNMC) is preparing to launch a 40-bed ICU with ventilator support for critically ill patients. 

Speaking to TOI, District Programme Manager (Health) Manibhushan said that the ICU-HDU facility at LNJNSH is nearly ready and will further enhance the hospital's integrated indoor and outdoor services, centralised diagnostics, pharmacy, and critical care infrastructure. 

Manibhushan said that the process of appointing medical specialists with expertise in managing ICUs and HDUs is in the final stage, while the recruitment of paramedical staff, including trained nursing personnel, has already been completed.  

He also said that critically ill patients would remain under round-the-clock monitoring by specialist doctors, intensivists, trained nurses, and paramedics.

Furthermore, while explaining the role of the HDU, Manibhushan stated that it is designed for patients who stabilise after treatment for a critical illness but still require close monitoring, frequent medical intervention, or single-organ support.

He stated that the HDU would serve as a 'step-down unit' for patients recovering from the ICU before they are shifted to the general ward, while the enhanced facilities would particularly benefit poor patients who cannot afford treatment in private hospitals.

Meanwhile, Dr Sandeep Lal, Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, presided over a review meeting with Hospital Superintendent Dr HP Dubey and Heads of Departments to assess the preparations for operationalising the ICU at the SSH.