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The initiative aligns with directives from the Supreme Court in its 2016 Civil Appeal (CA) 8402 and 2024 Miscellaneous Application (MA) 30408. Representatives from all wings of the Health and Family Welfare Department—including teaching and non-teaching hospitals, the Directorate of Health Services, the State Medical Council, corporate-run hospitals, and experts with extensive experience in managing ICUs, Critical Care Units, Trauma Centres, and emergency medical services—participated in the deliberations. Health Secretary cum Additional Chief Secretary Aswathi S. addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of teamwork, skill enhancement, and continuous improvement in the overall treatment ecosystem. She emphasised delivering patient care with utmost diligence while ensuring the guidelines incorporate the convenience and input of all stakeholders in Odisha’s healthcare landscape. The primary objectives of the conference include in-depth discussions on core aspects of ICU management, formulation of a dedicated guideline for operating ICUs and Critical Care Units, and establishing grading criteria for these units based on hospital capacity and patient volume. This framework aims to standardise and elevate critical care services statewide. Invitations were extended to officials from all districts, medical colleges, corporate hospitals, private medical colleges and hospitals, as well as state-level health directorates. Participants actively engaged in discussions on structuring the guidelines, covering key topics such as admission and discharge criteria, ICU infrastructure setup, infection prevention protocols, consultation and communication with patients’ next of kin, and more. Concrete steps were initiated to compile a draft guideline encompassing these elements. The state’s draft guideline will be submitted to the Supreme Court, serving as a crucial input for finalising the authoritative document. The dais featured prominent figures, including Additional Secretary of the Health Department Bijay Mohapatra and Director of Medical Education and Training Santosh Mishra, among others. This conference marks a proactive move by Odisha’s health authorities to bolster emergency and critical care capabilities, ensuring better outcomes for patients in need of intensive medical intervention.
