B Mirror Report:  : In a major step toward expanding healthcare services across the country, Bangladesh is launching Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services at 10 district hospitals from Sunday under the Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness (ERPP) Project.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain is scheduled to formally inaugurate the new ICU facilities at a special ceremony on June 14.

The hospitals where the new ICUs have been established are the 250-bed district hospitals in Munshiganj, Tangail, and Sunamganj; the 250-bed General Hospital in Gopalganj; Chuadanga District Hospital; Narayanganj General (Victoria) Hospital; the 250-bed General Hospital in Jessore; the 250-bed District Sadar Hospital in Sherpur; Madaripur District Hospital; and Bagerhat District Hospital.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, each ICU unit has been equipped with essential medical equipment, including pediatric ventilators and oxygen concentrators. The government has also deployed the required number of doctors, nurses, and trained healthcare personnel to ensure effective operation of the facilities.

Health officials said the new ICUs will significantly enhance critical care services for both adult and pediatric patients suffering from complex illnesses at the district level.

Medical authorities noted that the initiative will reduce the need for critically ill patients to travel to Dhaka and other major cities for advanced treatment. With the new facilities in place, residents in the districts will be able to access immediate and specialized critical care services closer to home, improving emergency healthcare delivery and potentially saving lives.