Sambalpur: ICU Bed Crisis at Vimsar; Serious Patients Wait for Days, Some Left Without Care
Dependence on Vimsar for Critical Care
Sambalpur: Patients from all districts in Western Odisha rely heavily on Vimsar in Burla for their medical care. Among them, a large number arrive in critical condition and require immediate medical attention. However, despite the growing number of serious patients, Vimsar’s ICU bed capacity has not increased, leaving many patients without adequate care. Wealthier patients are frequently transferred to private hospitals, leaving poor patients to wait for extended periods of time, sometimes with life-threatening consequences.
ICU Bed Shortage and Patient Struggles
According to reports, Vimsar’s central ICU currently only has 36 beds. Due to safety protocols and maintenance issues, not all beds are operational at the same time. With 12 to 15 patients requiring ICU care every day, many have no choice but to wait for an open bed. Furthermore, to ensure the safety of other patients, any new admission necessitates prior disinfection of the space, which causes additional delays in providing critical care. As a result, many poor patients wait for days, with some deteriorating while waiting for treatment.
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The Growing Crisis and Government Inaction
This crisis isn’t new. For several years, the situation at Vimsar has been dire, with the previous state government taking no significant action to improve it. Although the new health minister recently reviewed the situation at Vimsar, no concrete measures have been announced. Despite Vimsar officials informing the minister of the urgent ICU bed shortage, the hospital’s future now depends on the state government’s actions.
Concerns for the Future of Vimsar
If the number of ICU beds does not increase, it will severely affect patient care at Vimsar. Moreover, the ongoing crisis threatens to erode the trust of the poor patients who rely on the hospital for affordable treatment. The discussion within the intellectual community highlights growing concerns that without immediate action, Vimsar may fail to serve those in need, further deepening the healthcare crisis in Western Odisha.
