As Pune city battles a surge in viral infections, dengue, and seasonal ailments, a critical healthcare crisis is emerging with several private hospitals struggling to accommodate patients in need of intensive care unit (ICU) beds equipped with ventilators. This shortage of vital medical resources has put immense pressure on the city's healthcare infrastructure, prompting concerns from medical professionals and authorities alike.
ICU Facilities at Full Capacity
A Hindustan Times Report quoted Dr. HK Sale, the executive director of Noble Hospital and president of the Association of Hospitals in Pune, who has sounded the alarm. According to him, most major hospitals in the city are currently operating their ICU facilities at maximum capacity. The skyrocketing cases of viral infections, particularly lower respiratory tract infections, have played a significant role in this situation. City hospitals have reported a substantial increase in patients visiting their Out Patients Departments (OPD) with complaints ranging from viral infections and pneumonia to influenza, dengue, and respiratory tract infections. Statistics indicate that at least 10% of OPD patients require hospitalization, with approximately 1% to 2% of them in need of ICU beds.
Peak Season for Viral Infections
Dr. Sale pointed out that this is the peak season for viral infections, and the demand for ICU beds has surged not only among local residents but also among individuals from peripheral areas of Pune district. "We receive daily inquiries from two to three patients looking for ICU beds. The extended recovery time of ICU patients results in prolonged bed occupancy," he stated. The shortage extends beyond major healthcare institutions. Dr. Sanjay Patil, chairman of the Hospital Board of India's Pune chapter, noted that even smaller and medium-sized hospitals in the city with limited ICU capacity are operating at full throttle. This predicament is further exacerbated by the rainy season, which has led to an increase in cases of influenza, respiratory tract infections, and accidents, thereby making it challenging for smaller hospitals to find ICU beds for their patients.
Hospitals Struggling to Cope
Officials at Bharati Hospital confirmed that their ICU facilities, both with and without ventilators, are running at full capacity. They are treating patients with a variety of medical conditions, including viral infections, trauma, surgeries, and cardiac arrest. While the waiting list for ICU admission continues to grow, a few beds are kept reserved for emergency situations. Dr. Vinod Sawantwadkar, the Chief Executive Officer of Jehangir Hospital, noted that the hospital's general ICU has been consistently full for an extended period. However, there has been a recent decline in the number of patients requiring ICU care, while the cardiac ICU at their facility remains fully occupied.
Share
Tweet
