Tamil Nadu to set up critical care blocks at 3 Govt Hospitals for Rs 71.25 crore

Chennai: The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced a major expansion of healthcare infrastructure aimed at strengthening emergency and diagnostic services across the state. From FY 2021-22, the Government of Tamil Nadu has issued orders for establishment of 28 Critical Care Bocks (CCBs) and 20 District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs). These projects are at various stages of constructions.

The Government issued Orders for establishment of 50-bedded CCBs in Government Hospitals at Perambalur, Vanniyampadi (Tirupathur District), and Anaicut (Vellore District), with each facility receiving an investment of Rs. 23.75 crore, totaling Rs. 71.25 crore. Additionally, new District Integrated Public Health Laboratories (DIPHLs) will be set up at Government Hospitals in Ulundurpettai (Kallakurichi District), Cumbum (Theni District), Perambalur (Perambalur District), Vedaranyam (Nagapattinam District), and Karaikudi (Sivagangai District), with a unit cost of Rs. 1.25 crore each, totaling Rs. 6.25 crore

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The establishment of these CCBs will enhance emergency and intensive care capabilities, providing essential facilities such as intensive care units, isolation wards, advanced surgical theatres, and high-capacity oxygen systems. Each CCB will have a minimum of 50 beds dedicated exclusively to critical care services, equipped with high-end equipment for providing comprehensive care for critically ill patients, including ICU beds, ventilators, ABG Analysers, haemodialysis machines, anaesthesia workstations, modern operating theatres etc.

These upgrades will allow these hospitals to manage critical cases on-site, reducing the need for transfers to tertiary care centers and potentially saving lives. By supporting comprehensive emergency care, these blocks are expected to lower morbidity and mortality rates significantly.

Government Hospitals in Vanniyampadi, Perambalur, and Anaicut will be particularly benefitted by these improvements. Currently, the Vanniyampadi Hospital serves approximately 2,511 outpatients daily and 5,310 inpatients monthly, while the Perambalur Hospital accommodates around 1,632 outpatients daily and 14,250 inpatients monthly.

Anaicut Hospital serves 1,057 outpatients daily and 37 inpatients monthly. With the new CCBs, these hospitals are expected to experience increased patient footfall, addressing a growing demand for specialized critical care services.

In addition to the CCBs, the new DIPHLs will bolster diagnostic capacity across districts, with a special focus on managing infectious diseases. The DIPHLs will enhance diagnostic capabilities with high-end equipment such as fully automated analyzers, cell counters, ELISA machines, and BSL-II cabinets, enabling accurate diagnostics and stronger disease surveillance.

These labs will act as apex diagnostic centers, offering advanced testing capabilities, supporting disease surveillance, and aiding in public health response. The new DIPHLs will also process samples from healthcare facilities throughout each district, strengthening the healthcare system’s ability to quickly identify and manage public health challenges.