Patna, September 22: Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) is set to expand its intensive care capacity for newborns and critically ill children, with plans for a 58-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a separate 20-bed Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Once the new arrangement is implemented, PMCH will have 78 beds dedicated to intensive care for seriously ill newborns and children. The hospital administration is preparing the necessary arrangements for the expansion.
Existing NICU And PICU To Be Reorganised
PMCH currently operates a 38-bed NICU and a 20-bed PICU, with both units located on the fifth floor.
Under the proposed arrangement, the existing facilities will be reorganised to increase the NICU capacity from 38 to 58 beds, while the PICU will continue with 20 beds as a separate unit.
The NICU will cater to critically ill newborns, while the PICU will provide intensive care for older children in serious condition.
More Intensive Care For Critically Ill Children
PMCH receives a significant number of sick newborns and children requiring intensive medical care. Such cases can include breathing difficulties, infections, low birth weight and other serious conditions.
The increased bed capacity is expected to help the hospital provide intensive treatment and monitoring to more patients. Separating the two units will also allow care to be organised according to the specific needs of newborns and older children.
Preparations Underway For New Arrangement
The hospital administration is preparing to begin work in a new 500-bed building by the end of September. Arrangements involving wards, equipment and other required resources are being made as part of the expansion.
The additional intensive-care capacity is also expected to reduce the need to refer critically ill children to other hospitals when beds are unavailable.
The expansion is part of PMCH’s broader efforts to strengthen and reorganise specialised healthcare services for patients in Patna and across Bihar.
