Sivaganga GH set to open ICU after clearance for ₹35 lakh oxygen facility

Following a prolonged stalemate, the Health Department has finally granted approval for a 10-kilolitre oxygen facility at the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital at an estimated cost of ₹35 lakh.

The developments stem from long-standing infrastructure pressures at the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital, where severe space constraints in the maternity ward, accident unit, and head injury departments have caused ongoing difficulties for patients, particularly pregnant women.

To address these issues, foundation stones were laid in May 2023 for a ₹10.50 crore integrated emergency maternal and child health care centre and a ₹20 crore intensive care unit building.

Although both structures were completed a year ago, opening delays ensued after the planning committee withheld permission due to a lack of required emergency routes.

While an additional emergency route for the intensive care unit building was promptly constructed, similar work for the maternal and child health care centre remains pending.

Complications further compounded when authorities sought to establish oxygen connections for the newly completed intensive care unit building, only to find that the hospital’s existing oxygen facility lacked the necessary capacity, keeping the building shuttered.

Addressing these hurdles, the newly approved ₹35 lakh oxygen plant aims to resolve the technical bottleneck.

Hospital administration stated that fund allocations have officially arrived, tenders will soon be issued through the Tamil Nadu Medical Corporation to expedite the installation, and work on the remaining emergency route for the maternal and child health centre building is set to commence shortly.

Doctors and the public have strongly urged authorities to fast-track these remaining steps to ensure the swift opening of the intensive care unit facility.