A 30-bed ICU is likely to become operational from Friday at the Cath Lab of Patlitputra Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) in Dhanbad that is seeing a rapid rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Deputy commissioner Uma Shankar Singh said necessary equipment has already been arranged using district mineral foundation trust (DMFT) and CSR funds. Preparations for launching the unit on September 11 are in final stages.

“The ICU will operate under the joint supervision of PMCH head of department of medicine Dr U.K. Ojha and head of the department of anaesthesia Dr Kameshwar Biswas, who will ensure Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Union ministry of health treatment guidelines and protocols are followed,” he said.

Dr Biswas said this would be the second ICU for Covid patients in the district after the one that is operational at the dedicated Covid Hospital of Dhanbad at Jagjivan Nagar.

“We have procured all necessary equipment, including high-flow ventilators required for patients suffering from acute respiratory problems,” said Dr Biswas, who was PMCH superintendent.

He said credit for the establishment for the ICU should go to deputy commissioner Uma Shankar Singh who took personal interest in upgrading Covid treatment facilities in the district.

Besides the ICU meant for serious Covid patients, the PMCH Cath Lab also houses a 100-bed Dedicated Covid Health Centre for the treatment of asymptomatic or patients with moderate symptoms.

This apart, a 400-bed Dedicated Covid Health Centre is also being established in two blocks at the PG Hospital of PMCH.

At the PMCH blood bank work is on to install the recently procured Asphersis machine, which is used to separate blood into various components. Such a machine is needed to start plasma therapy for the treatment Covid patients.

Two more gadgets, including a Ph metre refrigerator for maintaining – 40 degree C temperature, will also be required for starting plasma therapy for Covid patients. These are expected in another two weeks.