ICU ward with ventilators lying dysfunctional in lack of human resource

MYAGDI: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with ventilators that was established at Beni Hospital in Myagdi has been lying dysfunctional in lack of competent human resource.

The five-bed ICU ward with two ventilators, established with the financial assistance of Gandaki province government in 2076 BS, has been lying idle.

In order to help provide treatment to the patients with critical condition, the province government had aided Rs 12.5 million for the setup of ICU.

With no use of such equipment, the patients are now in compulsion to go to Pokhara and Kathmandu for expensive treatment.

“It is disheartening to know that the ICU ward has remained dysfunctional and the poor patients are forced to spend a hefty amount to receive treatment service outside the district”, said Khem Thapa, a local.

It is sad to note that those requiring ICU bed in emergency are to be airlifted to hospital outside via chartered helicopter, he said, adding, “Many patients who could not afford flight services are losing their lives on the way to hospital”.

The Hospital administration said the operation of ICU has been stalled in lack of competent human resource at the hospital.

Hospital’s head doctor Jitendra Kandel said it required at least four medical officers, 10 staff nurse, two consultants and four assistants to operate the ICU ward.

“In the 50-bed hospital, existing human resource comprising seven doctors and 24 staff nurse are facing trouble in providing regular services”, Dr Kandel said.

“If we need to operate the ICU ward, other services, including emergency and OPD ward have to be shut”, he further shared.