In a major development, AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Bhubaneswar will procure two ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machines for the treatment of critical Covid-19 patients in the state. In a statement, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr Sachidananda Mohanty informed that a purchase order has already been placed and the first ECMO machine will be delivered and installed at the end of this month, as confirmed by the supplier.
In the press release, he stated that these ECMO machines are being procured to treat Critical Covid patients and for other critical cases of different ICUs. As per reports, the institute is hiring more technicians to operate the machines which will help critical Covid patients suffering from lung ailment; especially those being referred to outside Odisha for treatment. Currently, only some faculty members at the institute are trained in handling of the ECMO machines.
On Wednesday (June 9), Health Minister Naba Das had informed that Odisha government has already decided to install six ECMO machines at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. In the next stage, ECMO machines will also be installed at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.