Learn about Intensive Care Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Intensive Care and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Intensive Care

Intensive Care, also known as critical care, is a specialized, multidisciplinary medical service dedicated to the treatment and monitoring of patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries. It involves continuous, around-the-clock supervision by a dedicated team of critical care specialists, nurses, and therapists in a highly equipped unit. The goal is to support failing organ systems, prevent further complications, and stabilize the patient's condition using advanced technology like ventilators, dialysis machines, and invasive monitoring. This level of care is essential for patients in severe shock, post-major surgery, or suffering from acute conditions like sepsis, trauma, or respiratory failure, providing the highest level of medical intervention to improve survival and outcomes.

Key Highlights

    Provides 24/7 monitoring by specialized critical care physicians and nurses.Utilizes advanced life-support technology like mechanical ventilators and continuous renal replacement therapy.Offers a multidisciplinary approach with coordinated care from various medical specialists.Designed to support and stabilize failing organ systems during a critical illness.Focuses on preventing secondary complications and optimizing the chance of recovery.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (e.g., from pneumonia, ARDS).
  • Septic shock or severe sepsis with organ dysfunction.
  • Major trauma, such as severe head injury or multiple fractures.
  • Post-operative care after major surgeries like cardiac, neurosurgical, or transplant procedures.
  • Acute neurological emergencies like stroke, status epilepticus, or brain hemorrhage.
  • Life-threatening cardiac conditions including myocardial infarction with complications or severe arrhythmias.
  • Acute renal or hepatic failure requiring immediate support.
  • Severe drug overdoses or poisonings.

How to prepare

  • Preparation is often emergent; the patient is stabilized and transferred to the ICU from the emergency room, operating room, or a hospital ward.
  • The ICU team reviews the patient's medical history, current medications, and allergy information.
  • Necessary monitoring lines (arterial lines, central venous catheters) are placed.
  • Informed consent for specific procedures (e.g., intubation, dialysis) is obtained from the patient or next of kin when possible.
  • The family is briefed on the ICU environment, visiting protocols, and the care plan.

Risks & possible complications

  • Hospital-acquired infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia or central line-associated bloodstream infections.
  • Complications from invasive procedures, such as bleeding, pneumothorax, or arterial damage.
  • ICU-acquired weakness and muscle atrophy due to prolonged bed rest and critical illness.
  • Delirium (ICU psychosis) and long-term cognitive impairment.
  • Stress ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Potential for pressure injuries (bedsores).
  • Psychological trauma for both the patient and family (Post-Intensive Care Syndrome).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery begins with stabilization and gradual weaning from life support (e.g., ventilator, vasopressor medications).
  • Once stable, the patient is transferred to a step-down unit or general ward for continued care.
  • Rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, is often crucial to regain strength and function.
  • Follow-up appointments with primary care and specialist doctors are essential to monitor long-term recovery.
  • Psychological support and counseling may be needed to address the emotional impact of the critical illness.
  • Full recovery can be a prolonged process, taking weeks to months, depending on the severity of the initial illness.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Varies widely; typically 3-5 days for uncomplicated cases, but can extend to weeks or months.
  • checked Expected recovery time: Highly variable; initial hospital recovery may take 1-4 weeks, with full functional recovery potentially taking 3-6 months or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering intensive care in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intensive care compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 218 – USD 1,632 Varies widely; typically 3-5 days for uncomplicated cases, but can extend to weeks or months. ~ Highly variable; initial hospital recovery may take 1-4 weeks, with full functional recovery potentially taking 3-6 months or longer. Know More
Turkey USD 1,611 – USD 12,079 Varies widely; typically 3-5 days for uncomplicated cases, but can extend to weeks or months. ~ Highly variable; initial hospital recovery may take 1-4 weeks, with full functional recovery potentially taking 3-6 months or longer. Know More

Top hospitals for Intensive Care in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated critical care teams and experience managing patients undergoing intensive care.

PATIENT REVIEW

Dr. b kishan sing provided exceptional...

Dr. b kishan sing provided exceptional care for my critical care condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.

Critical Cares for Intensive Care

Explore experienced critical cares who regularly perform intensive care and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sarat Kumar Behera
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Ashwini M B
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi, Kannada
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital Bangalore

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Dr. Abhinetri Golappa Danashetti
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital King Koti

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Dr. Ramit Singh Sambyal
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Srinivas Mannava
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital King Koti

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Dr. Raghavendra B Goudar
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Jyoti Goyal
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Adarsh Kulkarni
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Narendra Prasad C
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Mahesha Padyana
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. B Kishan Sing
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Venkata Ramana K
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Garnipudi Srinivas Rao
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital Vijayawada

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Dr. Sringala Devijan
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Mahuya Bhattacharya
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Sk Todi
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Deepak Solanki
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Ramkumar J
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

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Dr. Dipanjan Chatterjee
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

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Dr. Raghavendra B Goudar
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

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