Cuttack: The newly set up Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) unit at Cuttack SCB Medical College has swung into action with full speed as two patients have been admitted to the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Department in last two days.
Reportedly, a 38-year-old woman of Bolangir, identified as Jyotrimayee Panda, was shifted to SCB hospital from a private hospital on Sunday night. Jyotrimayee was diagnosed with coronavirus around two and half months ago. She was admitted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar and later in a private hospital in Cuttack. She has been admitted to the ECMO unit of SCB as her health condition deteriorated now.
Earlier on August 28, a 52-year-old Covid-19 patient from Nischintakoili area, identified as Annapurna Nayak, was admitted to the hospital. She had tested positive for Covid-19 in the month of July and was getting treatment at SCB hospital. Later, she was discharged after being tested negative for the virus. However, she was admitted to the ECMO unit of SCB after complaining of breathlessness.
The SCB team was assisted by a three member from Kolkata for Annapurna’s treatment, added reports. As the medical team returned Kolkata on Sunday night, the SCB team are currently in charge of both the patients.
Meanwhile, Emergency Officer of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Bhubanananda Maharana said that both patients at ECMO unit are still critical. A committee will be formed under the leadership of SCB college’s principal that will decide whether to give the ECMO treatment to patients of the hospital.
Similarly, DMET will decide on ECMO treatment to patients outside SCB whereas the government will decide regarding patients from outside the state, added Emergency Officer.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday inaugurated eastern India’s largest ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) facility in Cuttack for providing free treatment to critically ill Covid patients.
It is to be noted that Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hospital AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and SUM hospital have also installed ECMO machines for severely affected Covid-19 patients.
Ms Kalinga