RAJSHAHI, July 15, 2026 (BSS) - Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) has received administrative approval to increase its bed capacity by 100 after a long gap of 13 years, paving the way for expanding critical care services, including a government-recognised Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The approval was issued by the Health Services Division on Monday. With the approval, the hospital's total bed capacity will rise from 1,200 to 1,300, enabling the authorities to formally launch services in the newly added beds for ICU facilities.

Deputy Secretary of the Health Services Division Kazi Sharif Uddin Ahmed sent a letter in this regard to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services on Monday.

The letter said administrative approval was granted to upgrade RMCH's capacity from 1,200 to 1,300 beds and start service operations in the additional beds, subject to compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.

The bed capacity of the hospital was last increased to 1,200 in 2013.

Under the hospital's initiative, 46 ICU beds have already been set up. Of these, 12 are for adult patients, 16 for elderly patients, 12 for children and six for patients requiring intensive monitoring after complex surgeries. These beds will now receive government recognition as ICU beds.

Besides, 54 new beds will be added to expand critical care services. Of these, 15 beds will be allocated for pregnant and postpartum mothers, 10 for newborns, 10 for cancer and other critically ill patients, and 19 for patients under the One Stop Crisis Centre (OCC). With the existing and new facilities combined, the ICU will have a total of 100 beds, ICU in-charge Dr Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal of RMCH informed.

"We have received approval for a government-recognised ICU. This will help ensure better services for critically ill patients as there will be dedicated budgetary support and improved management," he said.