Mysuru: In a major step towards strengthening neonatal healthcare, Cheluvamba Hospital has announced plans to double its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) capacity from 30 to 60 beds, in response to increasing demand and sustained pressure on existing facilities.
Hospital authorities stated that the expansion will be carried out in two phases, aimed at easing congestion and improving care for newborns requiring intensive medical attention.
Rising demand for neonatal care
The decision comes amid a significant rise in patient load at the hospital, which currently handles around 30 deliveries per day. With approximately 700 deliveries reported every month, nearly 15 per cent of newborns require NICU support.
According to officials, at least five newborns need intensive care daily, placing a continuous strain on the existing 30-bed NICU.
The hospital, which serves as a key maternal and child healthcare centre in the region, has been witnessing increasing cases requiring specialised neonatal intervention, particularly among preterm and low-birth-weight infants.
Two-phase expansion plan
The expansion will be implemented in a phased manner:
- In the first phase, 15 additional NICU beds will be installed within the next 10 days
- In the second phase, another 15 beds will be added within two months
Once completed, the total NICU capacity will reach 60 beds, effectively doubling the hospital’s ability to cater to critically ill newborns.
Officials believe this move will significantly reduce overcrowding and ensure timely care for infants in need of specialised monitoring and treatment.
Longer stays adding to pressure
Hospital authorities noted that while many newborns admitted to the NICU require only two to three days of observation, a substantial number of cases involve complications that demand extended care.
Preterm babies and those with low birth weight often suffer from conditions such as infections (sepsis) and hypothermia, requiring prolonged hospital stays of up to 15 to 20 days.
These longer durations have contributed to bed shortages, making it difficult to accommodate new cases promptly.
Experts highlight need for expansion
Speaking on the development, Dr N Pradeep, Head of the Department of Paediatrics at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, emphasised the urgency of expanding NICU facilities.
He stated that the growing demand for neonatal care services necessitated the proposal for additional beds. The expansion, he added, would help improve outcomes for newborns and reduce the burden on existing infrastructure.
Dr Pradeep also confirmed that a proposal has been submitted under the National Health Mission to recruit additional medical and support staff to manage the expanded unit efficiently.
Strengthening public healthcare infrastructure
The expansion of NICU facilities at Cheluvamba Hospital is expected to benefit not only Mysuru city but also surrounding districts that rely on the hospital for advanced maternal and neonatal care.
Public health experts have long stressed the importance of strengthening neonatal services, particularly in government hospitals that cater to a large section of economically weaker populations.
Improved NICU capacity can play a crucial role in reducing neonatal mortality rates and ensuring better survival outcomes for high-risk infants.
Conclusion
The planned doubling of NICU beds at Cheluvamba Hospital marks a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for neonatal care in Mysuru. With rising birth rates and increasing cases requiring specialised treatment, the expansion is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver timely and quality care to newborns.
Authorities hope that along with infrastructure upgrades and additional staffing, the initiative will contribute to better healthcare outcomes and support families during critical early stages of life.