Specialized Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Chennai

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) here, started in 1991, was the first PICU in the private sector in Madras. It was fully renovated in 2019 and has 21 beds (14 ICU and 7 High Dependency). The Pediatric ICU boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, meticulously designed to adhere to contemporary ICU standards, with particular emphasis on adequate space, natural light, air conditioning, and infection control practices. Additionally, it features four pressurized isolation suites equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, further underscoring its commitment to stringent infection prevention measures.

Advanced Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU) Facilities at KKCTH

The available facilities encompass a range of advanced medical interventions, including invasive monitoring, mechanical ventilation (non-invasive, conventional, and high-frequency oscillation), inhaled Nitric Oxide therapy, ECMO, Renal Replacement Therapy (peritoneal dialysis, Hemodialysis, SLED and CRRT) and plasmapheresis. Catering to patients from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, the ICU delivers tertiary-level care to seriously ill children up to 18 years age. The spectrum of treated conditions spans severe respiratory & neurological illnesses, various infections (such as malaria, TB, meningitis, Dengue fever, etc.), trauma including head injuries, heart failure, post-operative care after complex Cardiac, Neuro and Airway surgeries, post Bone Marrow Transplant care, and more. Children who require intermediate care between standard pediatric wards and full intensive care, are managed in the High Dependency Unit.

With an annual admission of about 1,500 children, the ICU operates under the direction of Dr. Bala Ramachandran, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in managing critically ill children. He is ably assisted by Dr. K. Ravikumar and Dr. K. Sudeep Kumar, with a combined experience of 20 years.