Patna: A new complex of nine modular operation theatres (OTs) at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna is set to become operational by the end of May, promising a substantial boost to eye care services and a reduction in long patient waiting lists.
Located on the fourth floor of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), the facility is expected to enable more than 80 surgeries a day, up from the current 30–50 procedures. Officials say the expansion will help address the backlog, particularly in specialised departments such as vitreoretina, where demand has outpaced capacity.
The new complex includes around 45 beds with separate pre-operative and post-operative areas, alongside a modern sterilisation unit designed to enhance infection control and surgical outcomes. Dedicated lounges for doctors and staff have also been incorporated into the design.
Currently, the institute handles 700–750 outpatients daily, with plans to increase this to 800–900. Annual outpatient numbers are projected to rise from 300,000 to 500,000. While four existing OTs on the first floor will be decommissioned, two modular emergency OTs will continue to function кругл-the-clock.
Dr Vibhuti Prasanna Sinha, RIO director and deputy director of IGIMS, said the new facility would ensure “timely and improved treatment for patients” as surgical capacity expands.
