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 220 – USD 1,652 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 1,639 – USD 12,293 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.

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2143+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Baner

  • IconPune, India
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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Reyansh Ali, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher...

Reyansh Ali, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher and avid gardener, was admitted to the ICU after a sudden, severe asthma attack that did not respond to standard emergency treatment. He had a long history of asthma, but it had been well-controlled for years. This time, he experienced extreme shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cyanosis (bluish lips) at home. His primary care doctor, recognizing the life-threatening status, recommended immediate transfer to the Intensive Care Unit for intubation, mechanical ventilation, and close monitoring. In the ICU, Reyansh was sedated and placed on a ventilator. The constant hum of machines and the sight of tubes were frightening for his family. The critical care team meticulously managed his medications and ventilator settings. After three days, his condition stabilized enough to be weaned off the ventilator. Post-procedure, he spent two more days in a step-down unit before moving to a regular ward. His recovery was slow but steady, requiring pulmonary rehabilitation. Emotionally, Reyansh felt profound fear and vulnerability during sedation, with flashes of awareness. After waking, he was grateful but shaken, experiencing anxiety about future attacks. With counseling and family support, he focused on his recovery, developing a new appreciation for each breath.

Critical Cares for Intensive Care

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

Dr. Sathianarayanan Srinivasan
  • Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Gem Hospital Perungudi, Chennai

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Dr. Rajarshi Roy
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 950
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Srinivas Rao T
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Santanu Basak
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Payel Bose
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Tanmay Banerjee
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kuldeep Singh
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Susruta Bandyopadhyay
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 950
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Chandrashish Chakravarty
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Vishal Kumar Kandhway
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

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Dr. Ashwin Udupa N
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Rati Bansal Goel
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Rajavardhan R
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Rajesh Mohan Shetty
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Reshma Tewari
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. Saswati Sinha
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Manoj Kumar Ray
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

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Dr. Sunil Karanth
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Kumar Gupta
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Elaine Rodrigues
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Critical Care
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated