Kathmandu, July 29 Vayodha Hospital today announced the opening of its blood bank and Nepal’s first electronic intensive care unit facility —Critinext — in association with Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, India. Critinext, an eICU model, is Nepal’s first tele ICU which provides ‘intensive care beyond boundaries’. This is a fusion of critical care skills, technology and innovation that would enable remote teams of specialist doctors to manage critically ill patients without transferring them to health facilities out of the country. Artistes and social workers Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya launched the opening of the blood bank and eICU facility, commemorating the sixth inception anniversary of the hospital. The duo appreciated the contribution and dedication of the hospital to the people in discharging quality health services. Shrestha while sharing his past experiences said, “For the treatment of my wife, I have travelled a long way to India, with the journey being financially and physically troublesome. But now our country has the capability to treat all types of diseases.” Similarly, Hari Bansha Acharya said private hospitals in the country were making significant contributions to the healthcare sector, helping people maintain the quality of life. “Private hospitals should also provide quality healthcare facilities.” With help of the newly-lunched eICU, patients will be able to receive treatment and consultation from medical experts from India while staying in Kathmandu. The facility would help patients not only cut down on medical expenses but also minimise the risks involved in taking patients out of Nepal for treatment. “e-ICU and ICCU are equipped in such a way that makes them almost infection-free zone. There will be constant support provided by nurses. Sufficient measures have been put in place to avoid cross infection at the hospital,” said Shyam Bahadur Pandey, chairman of the hospital. Ravi Chaudhary, executive director of the hospital, informed that along with patients, staffers can detect and advise e-ICU clinicians on important trends and changes in the patient’s condition, enabling more proactive care for the patient with fewer complications. With just one phone call, doctors from India can have access to communications, navigation and surveillance systems of the hospital to facilitate treatment of patients. In coordination with Nepal Red Cross Society, the hospital will run blood services, he said.