Dera Ismail Khan has taken a major leap forward in public healthcare with the inauguration of a cutting-edge Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), aimed at providing life-saving treatment to premature and critically ill newborns in the region.
The newly launched NICU stands among the most advanced in the province, equipped with modern technology and designed to meet international standards in neonatal care. Hospital officials emphasized that the facility features highly specialized zones to ensure comprehensive and effective treatment for newborns.
One of the key highlights of the facility is its dedicated phototherapy room, which houses 20 LED-based units that utilize deep blue light technology to treat neonatal jaundice efficiently. The NICU also includes an incubator room with 15 state-of-the-art incubators, each offering automated monitoring of vital parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory activity, and body temperature.
To support infants experiencing serious respiratory issues, the unit is equipped with 10 advanced ventilators, capable of delivering both Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and high-frequency ventilation. More than 10 digital monitors track vital signs in real time, ensuring immediate response to any changes in condition.
For fast diagnostic support, two portable digital X-ray machines are available, capable of producing over 100 images per day. A fully equipped in-house laboratory offers rapid testing, including blood work, electrolyte checks, and sepsis screening.
A telemedicine room has been added to allow consultations with international neonatal experts, enhancing care through global expertise. In addition, 50 advanced bassinets have been installed to support safe postnatal recovery.
The NICU also features resuscitation units equipped with oxygen blenders, suction devices, and Ambu bags, along with a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) room where mothers can stay close to their babies, promoting bonding and recovery.
Locals have welcomed the facility, calling it a long-overdue development. “It’s a blessing for our city,” said Amina Bibi, a resident. The NICU is now fully operational and open to patients.
