The Odisha government has announced plans to increase the number of critical care beds at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics, commonly known as Sishubhawan, in Cuttack from the current 50 to approximately 128 within the next year. This move aims to address the growing demand for paediatric and neonatal intensive care services in the region.
Current Capacity and Demand
Sishubhawan is a premier healthcare institution in the state dedicated to the treatment of children. It attracts patients not only from various districts of Odisha but also from neighbouring states. However, the existing critical care beds have proven insufficient to meet the rising need. Srimanta Mahanta, the attendant of a patient, emphasised, "The existing critical care beds are not sufficient to cater to the growing demand. If the number of PICU or NICU beds is raised, it will save lives of hundreds of children." Another relative, M Chinnamma, shared her struggle to secure an ICU bed at the hospital last month, ultimately having to take her child to a private facility. She expressed hope that increasing ICU beds at Sishubhawan would greatly benefit children.
Current Infrastructure and Expansion Plans
Currently, the institute operates 12 paediatric ICUs (PICUs), 12 neonatal ICUs (NICUs), and 26 high dependency units (HDUs). Dr Pravakar Mishra, professor of paediatrics and superintendent of the institute, stated that the health and family welfare department has taken several steps to enhance capacity. A new seven-storeyed, centrally air-conditioned hospital building was inaugurated by Union Health Minister J P Nadda on April 11 last year. Following the infrastructure development, the government increased the total bed strength from 422 to 846 to accommodate the growing number of referrals from districts and neighbouring states.
Staffing and Additional Resources
To support the expanded capacity, the government has sanctioned 59 new faculty and doctor posts across various categories. These include five professors, ten associate professors, 18 assistant professors, 24 senior residents, two medical officers, and one staff member each for the blood bank and drug store. Furthermore, on December 8 last year, the government approved 556 nursing officer posts, one radiographer, and seven medical laboratory technician positions. Additionally, 25 paramedic and 114 administrative staff posts have been created to ensure smooth operations.
Historical Context
Minister Mukesh Mahaling noted that this expansion represents the largest since the inception of Sishubhawan in 1960. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve critical care access for children in the region, reducing the need for families to seek expensive private healthcare options.
