Critical care in difficult areas.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Public Health in India

Background:

• Rapid growth in critical care services in India over the last decade.
• Establishment of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) as a significant national organization.
• Increasing international recognition of critical care standards in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and current status of critical care in India.
• To highlight achievements and persistent challenges in the field.
• To project future growth trends, particularly concerning medical tourism.

Main Methods:

• Review of the growth and activities of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine.
• Analysis of academic output, including national congresses and international publications.
• Consideration of unique patient demographics, such as tropical diseases, in Indian ICUs.

Main Results:

• The ISCCM has successfully established a journal, academic programs, and an annual congress.
• Formal training initiatives, guideline development, and a resuscitation council have been implemented.
• Indian critical care is gaining international recognition, with unique challenges like tropical diseases.

Conclusions:

• Critical care in India has demonstrated substantial progress, driven by the ISCCM.
• Despite challenges, the field is poised for significant growth, influenced by its role in medical tourism.
• The development of critical care in India is a dynamic and evolving area with international implications.