Mangaluru: KMC Hospital Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle has launched ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) services in partnership with Dr. Madhan’s ECMO Health Care Pvt. Ltd., marking a first for coastal Karnataka and Northern Kerala. This advanced critical care technology provides a life-saving option for patients with severe heart and lung failure, offering hope when traditional treatments are insufficient.
A Lifeline for Critically Ill Patients
ECMO technology functions by oxygenating the blood outside the body and removing carbon dioxide, acting as a bridge to recovery while doctors treat underlying conditions. It is vital for patients experiencing conditions like severe pneumonia, cardiac arrest, or trauma.
Dr. Dattaraya Prabhu, Head of Critical Care at KMC Hospital, emphasized, “Introducing ECMO services in this region is a game-changer. This technology offers critically ill patients a chance at recovery where other treatments fail.”
The ECMO service will be operational by the end of December 2024, strengthening KMC Hospital’s critical care capabilities across its Medical ICU, Cardiac ICU, Neuro ICU, Paediatric ICU, Dialysis ICU, and Transplant ICU.
Addressing Critical Care Challenges
Dr. Madhan, founder of ECMO Health Care Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the challenges often faced by ECMO patients, including lack of awareness, high costs, and complications like bleeding. He said, “Our collaboration with KMC ensures that patients in Mangaluru have access to timely, affordable, and expert ECMO care, directly managed at the hospital.”
Enhancing Healthcare Infrastructure
Saghir Siddiqui, Regional COO at KMC Hospital, described the partnership as a milestone in the hospital’s journey. “With 24×7 monitoring by intensivists, world-class infection control protocols, and state-of-the-art diagnostic support, ECMO services will significantly enhance treatment outcomes for critically ill patients, eliminating the need for transfers to distant cities.”
About Manipal Hospitals
As a leading healthcare provider in India, Manipal Hospitals serves over 7 million patients annually across 37 hospitals in 19 cities. Its comprehensive multispecialty care framework, NABH and NABL accreditations, and global reputation for excellence make it a trusted name in healthcare.