Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services are set to be launched at 10 district-level hospitals across the country on Sunday as part of efforts to strengthen critical healthcare services outside major cities.

The ICUs have been established under the Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness (ERPP) project and will be formally inaugurated by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain.

The hospitals where new ICU facilities are being introduced include the 250-bed District Hospitals in Munshiganj, Tangail, Sunamganj and Sherpur; the 250-bed General Hospitals in Gopalganj and Jashore; Chuadanga District Hospital; Narayanganj General (Victoria) Hospital; Madaripur District Hospital; and Bagerhat District Hospital.

According to Health Ministry sources, all ICU units have been equipped with essential pediatric ventilators and oxygen concentrators. The required medical personnel have also been recruited and deployed to ensure smooth operation of the facilities.

Officials said the initiative will significantly enhance emergency and critical care services for both children and adults at the district level. Once fully operational, the ICUs are expected to reduce the need for critically ill patients to travel to Dhaka or other major cities for advanced treatment.

Healthcare authorities believe the expansion of ICU services will improve access to life-saving care and strengthen the country's capacity to respond to medical emergencies and future public health crises.