A modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has officially opened in Dera Ismail Khan, offering life-saving treatment for premature and seriously ill newborns. The facility, considered one of the most advanced in the province, is equipped with the latest technology and designed to meet international neonatal care standards.
Hospital officials confirmed the NICU includes a phototherapy room fitted with 20 LED-based devices that use deep blue light to treat jaundice effectively. The incubator section houses 15 high-tech incubators that continuously monitor vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature.
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To manage respiratory distress in newborns, 10 advanced ventilators have been installed, supporting both CPAP and high-frequency ventilation. Over 10 digital monitors provide real-time tracking of critical health indicators. Two portable digital X-ray machines can generate more than 100 images daily, ensuring rapid diagnostic support on-site.
The NICU also features a telemedicine room, enabling expert consultation with international specialists, and an in-house lab for immediate testing, including blood and sepsis screenings. Fifty recovery bassinets offer a safe and comfortable environment for postnatal care.
In emergencies, the unit is equipped with resuscitation stations containing oxygen blenders, suction devices, and Ambu bags. A Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) room encourages mothers to remain close to their newborns for skin-to-skin bonding, proven to support infant health.
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Local residents have welcomed the facility warmly. Amina Bibi, a mother from the area, said the NICU fills a long-standing gap in healthcare services. “Now we have the right care for our babies without leaving our city,” she said.
The NICU is now fully operational and accepting patients, marking a key milestone in strengthening healthcare in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.