KEM Hospital expands burns ICU to include men

KEM Hospital in Mumbai is improving its facilities for burns care. The hospital is renovating its burns ward and adding three intensive care beds. This change comes as the city experiences frequent fires, highlighting the need for better burns treatment options. Currently, KEM Hospital's burns ICU is only the fifth of its type in Mumbai. Other similar facilities are located at Sion Hospital, Kasturba Hospital, the National Burns Centre in Airoli, and Masina Hospital in Byculla. The renovations at KEM Hospital are expected to be finished in four months. Notably, the renovated ward will now be able to treat adult male patients, in addition to females and children. Dr. Sangeeta Ravat, the dean of KEM Hospital, mentioned that a private donor is funding the renovations. The new layout will include space for male patients and three glass cabin ICUs. Effective burns management requires specialized infrastructure and a good doctor-to-patient ratio. For example, at the National Burns Centre, one nurse cares for two patients. Dr. S Keswani, the medical director there, noted that their center is unique as it has a skin bank and 24 ICU beds. Over the past 20 years, burns care in Mumbai has improved. Dr. Keswani explained that many patients with minor burns can now receive treatment at nursing homes or medical school units. However, those with serious burns, covering 30% or more of their body, will still need specialized care at centers like his.