Patna, April 11: Within a week after The Telegraph highlighted the poor state of affairs in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Patna Medical College and Hospital, the state health department has asked the health hub administration to immediately procure the required gadgets for the 15-bed facility in the emergency ward.

Acting swiftly on the directive, the hospital has procured five health monitors and five ventilators. An order has also been placed to replace two ultrasonography (USG) machines.

“The new monitors are yet to be installed. They have been kept in the storeroom. But this has come as a major relief and will help us keep a tab on the health condition of more patients. The authorities have also ordered for equipment like USG and ventilators,” said a junior doctor working in the emergency ward.

On April 5, The Telegraph had reported only five monitors out of 17 were functional in the ICU. Just four out of 17 infusion pumps function, while one ventilator out of six were usable.

Several doctors and supporting staff in the ICU alleged that the mortality rate of patients in the unit was over 90 per cent because of lack of proper facilities. Sources said the life of over 50 per cent of the patients could be saved if all the equipment were functional.

With five more ventilators and monitors at their disposal, the ICU staff are hopeful of saving more lives. The five ventilators will ensure oxygen supply to more needy patients.

A doctor of the ICU said most of the patients brought for emergency treatment need proper oxygen supply.

The relatives of the patients admitted in the ICU expressed happiness over the seriousness of the hospital in procuring gadgets for the unit.

Vandana Devi, a resident of Gopalganj, said: “My brother was brought here after he suffered a brain haemorrhage. He is still in coma and the monitor attached to his bed does not work. So it becomes very difficult for the doctors to measure all the life indicators. By the time the hospital equips itself with equipment, my brother probably will not be here. But after understanding the significance of these equipment, I am happy that the hospital authorities are now in the process of installing new gadgets. They will save many precious lives.”

The attendant of another patient admitted in the ICU said: “The directive of the state health department to the PMCH authorities to buy new gadgets is the right move. Though it has come after the loss of several lives, it is better late than never. I am sure needy patients will benefit a lot after the procurement of the equipment.”