Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In a major push to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, Odisha has launched an initiative to improve its Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and Critical Care services. This initiative includes a focus on ICU and Critical Care guidelines specific to Odisha. The state-level conference held at the Indian Medical Association Hall in Bhubaneswar aimed to draft clear, actionable guidelines for ICU and Critical Care Unit management across hospitals.
The Health and Family Welfare Department organized the event. It brought together senior doctors, hospital administrators, and policy experts from both government and private sectors. The move follows Supreme Court directives (CA 8402/2016 and MA 30408/2024) that call for uniform ICU standards nationwide.
Health Secretary Ashwathi S. urged participants to focus on teamwork, efficiency, and a holistic approach to patient care. She stressed that every stakeholder must work together to enhance patient safety and improve treatment outcomes.
Experts discussed crucial aspects such as ICU setup, infection control, patient admission and discharge protocols, and communication with families. The plan is to set a common ICU standard across all hospitals, adjusted for capacity and patient load.
Representatives from medical colleges, district hospitals, private institutions, and the State Medical Council actively contributed insights. They shared experience from managing trauma centers and emergency care.
The Health Department is preparing a final draft that will soon go to the Supreme Court for approval. Once cleared, these guidelines will help hospitals manage ICUs more efficiently and improve critical care quality across Odisha.
Special Secretary Vijay Mohapatra and Director of Medical Education and Training Santosh Mishra attended the event. They reaffirmed the government’s goal to build a modern, patient-focused healthcare system.
Odisha’s new guidelines mark a decisive step toward better accountability, faster care, and stronger hospital systems. The state is setting a high standard for healthcare excellence in India.
