Panaji: Health minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday stated that the new 30-bedded neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Goa Medical College (GMC) will be operational within the next 15 days. This development comes as a response to persistent complaints from patients regarding the unavailability of beds in the NICU.
Long-Pending Demand Addressed
Rane highlighted that the new facility fulfills a long-standing requirement. Although the ward was completed some time ago, it faced technical issues that delayed its inauguration. The new NICU will function alongside the existing 25-bed NICU ward located on the same floor of the old GMC complex.
Enhanced Facilities and Equipment
According to GMC medical superintendent Dr Rajesh Patil, the new NICU will serve as the primary unit for neonatal care. It will be equipped with 15 ventilator beds and 15 CPAP beds, ensuring advanced respiratory support for critically ill newborns. Additionally, the unit features a six-bed isolation ward to manage infectious cases and a dedicated nursing room for mothers.
Staffing and Round-the-Clock Care
To ensure optimal treatment, fifteen nurses have been allocated to the new NICU. Dr Patil confirmed that recruitment of doctors is underway, aiming to provide continuous, high-quality care for neonates. The expansion is expected to significantly reduce the pressure on the existing NICU and improve patient outcomes.
