Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure in the state capital, a decision has been taken to increase the number of ICU beds at Capital Hospital from the existing 14 to 40. The decision was finalised during the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) meeting held on Tuesday, aimed at resolving long-pending issues and improving the quality of treatment services for patients.
The RKS meeting was chaired by Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, who held detailed discussions with senior health officials, including the Health Minister, Health Secretary and the Capital Hospital Director, to strengthen the hospital’s healthcare delivery system.
Capital Hospital caters to thousands of patients daily from Bhubaneswar and its surrounding areas. Keeping this heavy patient load in mind, the expansion of ICU facilities was prioritised. During the meeting, MP Aparajita Sarangi spoke to Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and the Health Secretary over the phone to explore ways to expedite the increase in ICU beds at the earliest.
Another key decision taken at the meeting pertained to the academic and staffing needs of the hospital. With postgraduate medical students currently pursuing their studies at Capital Hospital, the RKS resolved to initiate steps soon for the appointment of the required faculty members to support medical education and clinical services.
Addressing long-standing employment concerns, the RKS also took a significant decision regarding the regularisation of fourth-grade employees. Nearly 150 such employees have been serving the hospital for several years on a non-permanent basis. MP Aparajita Sarangi discussed the issue in detail and assured that steps would be taken soon to move towards their regularisation.
Emphasising patient welfare, the Bhubaneswar MP reiterated that the primary focus of all decisions was to ensure better, timely and quality healthcare services for patients visiting Capital Hospital.
The RKS meeting was attended by Capital Hospital Director and Medical Superintendent, Bhubaneswar MLA Anant Narayan Jena, Mayor Sulochana Das, RKS management committee member Bimal Kumar Raul, and senior officials from the Works and WATCO departments.
