Upgraded ICUs of GMC Srinagar associated hospitals gives ray of hope to patients

Srinagar, Feb 25: From six beds to 54, the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has emerged as a ray of hope for patients battling severe medical, surgical, and infectious diseases.

Dr Ruksana Najeeb Najeeb, who is currently heading Department of Anaesthesia, Critical care and palliative medicine at GMC Srinagar has been instrumental in upgradation of the ICU.

Recognising the pressing need for critical healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Najeeb played a pivotal role in establishing ICUs across six hospitals.

The 11-bedded ICU at Chest Diseases Hospital, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided essential care to patients with lung diseases, ensuring optimal outcomes. Additionally, the expansion of OT facilities in Super Specialty Hospital has enabled the performance of complex surgeries, including head injuries, brain surgeries, lung surgeries, and more.

In 2019, when Covid-19 pandemic started, Dr Najeeb assumed charge of HoD, Anaesthesia and under her leadership, the ICUs and OTs have undergone a remarkable transformation.

"It was challenging to handle all ICUs and OTs at different GMC associated hospitals including SMHS. There was only one ICU at SMHS hospital. I have increased the bed capacities in each ICUs and OTs. Some ICU were not functioning. I have made all of them including ICU and OTs in Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh Srinagar where hundreds of critical patients are being treated," she said.

Recognising the dire need for intensive care among these patients, she ensured that her unit became a sanctuary for those battling pulmonary ailments.

“Within a short span of time, the unit transitioned to accommodate complex surgeries, including head injuries, brain surgeries, and lung surgeries. Furthermore, it now supports various super specialty branches such as urology, paediatric surgery, plastic surgery, surgical gastroenterology, and surgical oncology,” she said.

Dr Najeeb's commitment to patient care transcends boundaries, as she adamantly rejects the notion of a VIP culture, emphasising equality in treatment for all patients under her care.

"All patients are the same for me and as a doctor we have to treat," she said.

She said that, since its inception in 2020, the 8-bedded Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Super Specialty Hospital has been at the forefront of delivering advanced surgical care to patients in need.

“We have six operation tables running from Monday to Saturday, the ICU has facilitated an impressive average of 200 to 220 surgeries per month. These surgeries encompass a wide spectrum of medical interventions, ranging from kidney transplants and gastric surgeries to plastic surgeries and orthopaedic procedures,” Dr Najeeb said.