Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: In a major step toward strengthening medical infrastructure, the Jharkhand government has announced a roadmap to make the state a model for critical care services. The Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare Department organized the Regional Conference on Medical Management at ICU/CCU of Jharkhand at BNR Chanakya Auditorium, Ranchi, aimed at enhancing the treatment and management of critically ill patients across district hospitals.
Leaders and Experts Chart a New Vision for Healthcare
The conference, chaired by Dr. Neha Arora, Special Secretary, Health Department, saw participation from NHM Campaign Director Shashi Prakash Jha, Additional Secretary Vidyanand Sharma Pankaj, Director of Health Services Siddharth Sanyal, RIMS Professor Dr. Pradeep Bhattacharya, and AIIMS Bhopal’s Dr. Saurabh Saigal(virtually). Over 250 participants, including civil surgeons and representatives from private hospitals, attended the event.
Dr. Arora emphasized that the initiative aims to make district hospitals capable of stabilizing and treating critical patients instead of serving merely as referral centers. She called for collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure timely access to life-saving medical care.
Focus on Standardized Critical Care Framework
NHM Director Shashi Prakash Jha stated that the department’s goal is to establish well-equipped ICUs in every district hospital. He stressed efficient resource utilization and said, “No patient should lose their life due to lack of ventilators or facilities.”
Additional Secretary Vidyanand Sharma Pankaj announced that standardized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)are being developed under Supreme Court guidelines, and expert feedback is being collected.
Towards a Unified Critical Care Network
Dr. Pradeep Bhattacharya of RIMS highlighted that the draft SOP for strengthening the state’s critical care network is ready, envisioning Jharkhand as a national model within two to three years. Director of Health Services Siddharth Sanyal added that a uniform ICU admission and discharge protocol is vital for maintaining care quality.
AIIMS Bhopal’s Dr. Saurabh Saigal recommended establishing a Tele-ICU network for 24×7 expert support, while Dr. Bikram Gupta (BHU) and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (IGIMS Patna) emphasized manpower training and integrated trauma-care protocols.
Comprehensive Training and Future Expansion
Technical sessions covered topics such as IPHS review, admission criteria, trauma and critical care protocols, patient transfer safety, and manpower development. Currently, five state medical colleges are equipped with ICUs, and the government is expanding these facilities to all district hospitals.
Concluding the event, Dr. Siddharth Sanyal thanked all participants and affirmed that expert recommendations from the conference would guide the transformation of Jharkhand’s ICU and CCU management systems.
