Head of Department
Dr. Jugendra Singh
MBBS, MD, DM (Pulmonology & Critical Care)
Critical care, ventilation and respiratory medicine.
Critical Care & Anaesthesia
24×7 ICU, safe anaesthesia and pain care in Lucknow
When a patient is seriously ill, after major surgery, or needs support for breathing, blood pressure or kidneys, our intensive care team at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, provides round-the-clock monitoring and treatment. Our anaesthesiologists keep patients safe and comfortable during surgery and childbirth.
NABH-accredited hospital
300-bed multispeciality
Intensivists & anaesthesiologists
24×7 ICU cover
Talk to our team
Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.
24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
Our approach
Round-the-clock care for the most seriously ill
The intensive care unit (ICU) looks after patients whose life is at risk — from severe infection, breathing failure, major surgery, accidents or organ failure. Our intensivists, nurses and anaesthesiologists work with every specialist in the hospital, and keep families informed at every step.
- Doctors trained in critical care available round the clock
- Close monitoring of heart, breathing, blood pressure and kidneys
- Ventilator, BiPAP and dialysis support when needed
- Regular updates and counselling for families
- Safe anaesthesia and pain relief for surgery and childbirth
Intensive care
Medical, surgical and post-operative ICU care.
Breathing support
Oxygen, BiPAP and ventilator care.
Anaesthesia
General, spinal and regional anaesthesia for surgery.
Pain management
Labour epidurals and pain relief after surgery.
300Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
27+Specialities under one roof
When ICU is needed
When a patient may need intensive care
Doctors decide on ICU admission based on how sick a patient is and what support they need. These are common reasons.
Breathing failure
Severe breathlessness or low oxygen needing BiPAP or a ventilator.
Severe infection (sepsis)
Infection with low BP, confusion or organ damage.
Heart problems
Heart attack, dangerous rhythms or shock.
Stroke or brain injury
Reduced consciousness, seizures or after brain surgery.
Major trauma
Serious injuries after accidents or falls.
After major surgery
Close monitoring after heart, brain, abdominal or cancer surgery.
Poisoning
Poisoning, overdose or snake bite needing close care.
Organ failure
Kidney or liver failure, or severe diabetes complications.
Bring the patient to emergency straight away for severe breathlessness, unconsciousness, a seizure that does not stop, severe chest pain, heavy bleeding, poisoning or snake bite. Call 0522-666-4444.
Conditions
Conditions treated in the ICU
Tap a condition to read about it and how it is treated.
Sepsis and septic shock
The body’s severe response to infection
Common signs
Fever or low temperature, fast breathing, confusion, low BP and reduced urine.
How it is diagnosed
Blood tests, cultures, lactate and scans to find the source.
How it is treated
Early antibiotics, fluids, medicines to support BP, and treating the source.
Read about sepsisRespiratory failure and ARDS
When the lungs cannot supply enough oxygen
Common signs
Severe breathlessness, low oxygen, drowsiness.
How it is diagnosed
Oxygen levels, blood gas tests and chest imaging.
How it is treated
Oxygen, BiPAP or ventilator support while the cause is treated.
Read about ARDSSevere pneumonia
Lung infection needing intensive care
Common signs
High fever, breathlessness and low oxygen.
How it is diagnosed
Chest X-ray or CT and blood tests.
How it is treated
Antibiotics, oxygen and breathing support.
Read about pneumoniaAcute kidney failure
Sudden loss of kidney function
Common signs
Little urine, swelling, breathlessness, confusion.
How it is diagnosed
Blood and urine tests.
How it is treated
Treating the cause, fluid balance and dialysis in the ICU when needed.
Nephrology & dialysisDiabetic emergencies
DKA and very high or low sugar
Common signs
Vomiting, fast breathing, drowsiness, dehydration.
How it is diagnosed
Blood sugar, ketones and blood gas tests.
How it is treated
IV fluids, insulin and close monitoring.
EndocrinologyLiver failure
Severe loss of liver function
Common signs
Jaundice, confusion, bleeding and swelling.
How it is diagnosed
Blood tests and scans.
How it is treated
Supportive ICU care and treating the cause with the gastroenterology team.
GastroenterologyHeart attack and cardiac shock
Life-threatening heart problems
Common signs
Chest pain, sweating, low BP, breathlessness.
How it is diagnosed
ECG, troponin and echo.
How it is treated
Emergency angioplasty, medicines and ICU support with the cardiac team.
Cardiac sciencesStroke and head injury
Brain emergencies
Common signs
Weakness, reduced consciousness, seizures.
How it is diagnosed
CT or MRI brain.
How it is treated
Treatment with the neurosciences team, airway protection and ICU monitoring.
NeurosciencesPoisoning and snake bite
Toxic exposures
Common signs
Vomiting, drowsiness, breathing difficulty, bleeding or swelling.
How it is diagnosed
History and blood tests.
How it is treated
Antidotes or anti-snake venom where indicated, and supportive ICU care.
See emergency signsMajor trauma
Serious injuries from accidents
Common signs
Bleeding, fractures, head or chest injury.
How it is diagnosed
Rapid assessment and scans.
How it is treated
Resuscitation, surgery and ICU care with surgical teams.
Orthopaedics & traumaNo match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.
ICU monitoring
How patients are monitored in the ICU
ICU patients are watched continuously so that changes are picked up and treated early.
Bedside monitor
Heart rate, rhythm, BP, oxygen and breathing shown continuously.
Blood tests
Blood gases, blood counts, kidney and liver tests, often daily.
Imaging
Bedside X-rays and ultrasound; CT when needed.
Lines and tubes
IV lines, urinary catheter and other tubes for treatment and monitoring.
Daily review
Specialists and the ICU team review the plan every day.
A typical ICU journey
Every patient is different, but most ICU stays follow these stages. Tap a stage to learn more.
Care
Care we provide
Choose a topic to see what it involves.
Oxygen, BiPAP and ventilators
Patients who cannot breathe well enough on their own are supported with high-flow oxygen, BiPAP through a mask, or a ventilator through a breathing tube.
High-flow oxygenBiPAP / NIVMechanical ventilationTracheostomy careWhat to expect
- Sedation for comfort on a ventilator
- Daily checks to reduce support
- Physiotherapy to clear the chest
For families
- The patient may not be able to speak while on a ventilator
- You can talk and hold their hand
- Ask the team any questions
Treatment of severe infection
Sepsis is treated urgently with antibiotics, fluids and medicines to support blood pressure, while the source of infection is found and treated.
Early antibioticsFluids and BP supportSource controlInfection preventionWhat to expect
- Frequent blood tests
- Changes in antibiotics based on cultures
- Close monitoring of organs
Preventing infection
- Wash hands before touching the patient
- Limit visitors
- Do not bring outside food without permission
Kidney, heart and other support
Medicines support blood pressure and heart function, and dialysis supports failing kidneys, while the main illness is treated.
BP-support medicinesDialysis in ICUBlood transfusionNutrition supportWhat to expect
- Lines placed for medicines and monitoring
- Daily review by specialists
- Feeding through a tube if needed
For families
- Updates are given at set times
- Ask about the plan and the next 24 hours
- Share the patient’s wishes with the team
Anaesthesia for surgery
Our anaesthesiologists assess each patient before surgery and choose the safest anaesthesia — general, spinal, epidural or nerve block — with monitoring throughout.
Pre-anaesthesia check-upGeneral anaesthesiaSpinal and epidural anaesthesiaNerve blocksWhat to expect
- A check-up and tests before planned surgery
- Fasting instructions
- Monitoring in the recovery room
Staying safe
- Follow fasting instructions exactly
- Tell us about all medicines and allergies
- Stop smoking before surgery if you can
Pain relief in labour and after surgery
Good pain relief helps recovery. We offer labour epidurals, pain relief after surgery and interventional pain procedures for long-term pain.
Labour epiduralPost-operative pain reliefNerve blocksInterventional pain managementWhat to expect
- Pain checked regularly
- Medicines adjusted to keep you comfortable
- Advice for pain at home
Staying safe
- Tell staff if pain is not controlled
- Take pain medicines as prescribed
- Avoid long-term painkillers without advice
Services
Critical care services at Charak
Units and services run by the department.
Before surgery
Your anaesthesia, step by step
Step 1
Pre-anaesthesia check
Your health, medicines and past anaesthesia are reviewed.
Step 2
Tests
Blood tests, ECG and others as needed.
Step 3
Fasting
Usually no food for 6–8 hours before surgery; clear fluids as advised.
Step 4
Anaesthesia
Given and monitored throughout by an anaesthesiologist.
Step 5
Recovery room
Close watch as you wake up, with pain relief.
Step 6
Ward or home
With advice on pain relief and eating.
For families
Information for families of ICU patients
Having someone in the ICU is stressful. Knowing what to expect can help.
Talk to the ICU team about
Please ask about any of these:
- !The condition and the plan — at the daily update time.
- !Consent for procedures — the team will explain risks and benefits.
- !The patient’s wishes — if they have shared them about treatment.
- !Costs and insurance — the billing and insurance desk can help.
ICU care at Charak
- Led by Dr. Jugendra Singh, Pulmonology & Critical Care.
- Specialist input from every department in the hospital.
- Insurance and estimates through the hospital insurance desk.
Visiting checklist
Tap each one you have done:
- I washed my hands before entering
- I followed the visiting time and visitor limit
- I left children and anyone unwell at home
- I gave the team my correct phone number
- I told the team about the patient’s medicines and allergies
- I asked my questions at update time
- I am taking care of my own rest and food
One family member as the main contact helps the team share updates clearly.
Request a call back
After the ICU
Recovering after intensive care
Recovery after a serious illness can take weeks or months. These tips can help.
Weakness and tiredness
Muscle weakness is common after an ICU stay. Physiotherapy and gradual activity help.
Increase walking a little each day.
Sleep and memory
Poor sleep, vivid dreams or memory problems are common for a while.
Keep a regular routine and talk to your doctor if they persist.
Mood and anxiety
Feeling low, anxious or upset is common for patients and families.
Talk about it and ask for help if it lasts.
Eating well
Eat small, frequent, protein-rich meals to rebuild strength.
Follow advice if swallowing was affected.
Medicines and follow-up
Take all medicines as prescribed and attend follow-up visits.
Bring the discharge summary to every visit.
Caring for a family member
Ask the team to show you how to help with moving and care at home.
Look after your own health too.
Contact us urgently if
- Breathing difficulty getting worse
- New confusion or drowsiness
- Fever with shivering
- Chest pain
- Very little urine
- Bleeding or wound problems
Every age
Critical care across specialities
Mothers & babies
- Labour epidurals and anaesthesia for caesarean section
- Care for obstetric emergencies
- Newborn care with neonatology
After major surgery
- Heart, brain, cancer and abdominal surgery
- Close monitoring and pain relief
- Early mobilisation
Older adults
- Pneumonia, sepsis and heart failure
- Careful fluid and medicine balance
- Planning care with families
Prevention
Preventing serious illness
Some ICU admissions can be prevented. These are general guides.
| Who | What we recommend | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Adults 50+ and people with chronic illness | Flu vaccine | Every year |
| Adults 65+ and people with lung or heart disease | Pneumococcal vaccine | As advised |
| People with diabetes | Sugar control and sick-day plan | Ongoing |
| People with heart or lung disease | Regular specialist review | As advised |
| Before planned surgery | Pre-anaesthesia check-up | Before the operation |
| Anyone with signs of sepsis | Urgent medical review | Immediately |
Keep vaccinations up to date
Wash hands often
Take long-term medicines regularly
Stop smoking
Know the emergency number
Seek help early for worsening illness
Myths & facts
Clearing up common misunderstandings
Tap a card to see the fact.
Myth
“Once on a ventilator, a patient never comes off.”
Tap to flipFact
Many patients are weaned off the ventilator as they recover. It supports breathing while the illness is treated.
Myth
“ICU is only for patients who are dying.”
Tap to flipFact
Most ICU patients recover. The ICU provides close care during the most serious phase of illness.
Myth
“Spinal anaesthesia causes lifelong back pain.”
Tap to flipFact
Long-term back pain from spinal anaesthesia is uncommon. Mild soreness at the injection site can occur for a few days.
Myth
“An epidural harms the baby.”
Tap to flipFact
Labour epidurals are widely used and considered safe for mother and baby when given by an anaesthesiologist.
Myth
“More visitors help the patient recover.”
Tap to flipFact
Too many visitors increase infection risk and tire the patient. Follow visiting rules.
Myth
“General anaesthesia is very risky for everyone.”
Tap to flipFact
Modern anaesthesia is safe for most people. Your anaesthesiologist will explain your individual risks.
Our doctors
Meet our critical care & anaesthesia team
Anaesthetist & Intensivist
Dr. Pallavi
MBBS, MD (Anaesthesia), PDCC (Critical Care), KGMU
Critical care and anaesthesia.
Anaesthetist & Intensivist
Dr. Faisal
MBBS, MD (Anaesthesiology), SGPGI
Anaesthesia and intensive care.
Intensivist
Dr. Pushpraj Singh
MBBS, MD, PDCC (Critical Care), Fellowship in Infectious Disease
Critical care and infections in the ICU.
Practical help
Practical information for patients and families
A little preparation helps us make the most of your appointment.
What to bring to your visit
Tick off as you pack:
- The patient’s previous reports and discharge summaries
- A list of all medicines and allergies
- ID and insurance documents
- A phone number that will be answered at all times
- Basic personal items as advised by the nursing staff
- A list of the questions you want to ask
Costs & insurance
Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need. Ask our team for a written estimate before planned tests, procedures or admission.
- ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
- ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
- ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
- ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.
*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.
Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Can family members visit the ICU?
Yes, at set visiting times and with a limit on the number of visitors, to protect patients from infection. The team will explain the rules.
How will we get updates?
The doctor gives updates to the family at set times each day, and sooner if there is a major change.
Why is the patient sedated?
Sedation keeps patients comfortable and safe while on a ventilator or during painful treatments.
What is a pre-anaesthesia check-up?
A visit before planned surgery where the anaesthesiologist reviews your health and tests to plan safe anaesthesia.
How long should I fast before surgery?
Usually no food for 6–8 hours. Follow the exact instructions given to you.
Is an epidural available for labour?
Yes. Ask your obstetrician and our anaesthesia team during your antenatal visits.
Does insurance cover ICU care?
Most health insurance policies cover ICU care during admission. Our insurance desk can check your policy.
How do I reach the hospital in an emergency?
Call 0522-666-4444 or come straight to the 24×7 emergency department.
Glossary
Words you may hear in the ICU
ICUIntensive care unit.
HDUHigh-dependency unit, a step between ICU and the ward.
VentilatorA machine that breathes for a patient.
IntubationPlacing a breathing tube in the windpipe.
TracheostomyA breathing tube placed through the neck.
BiPAP / NIVBreathing support through a mask.
SedationMedicines that keep a patient calm and comfortable.
SepsisA life-threatening response to infection.
InotropesMedicines that support blood pressure and heart function.
Central lineA large IV line in a big vein.
Arterial lineA line in an artery to measure BP continuously.
ABGArterial blood gas test.
DialysisRemoving waste and fluid when kidneys fail.
WeaningGradually reducing breathing support.
General anaesthesiaMedicines that make you fully asleep for surgery.
Spinal anaesthesiaAn injection that numbs the lower body.
EpiduralA thin tube in the back for pain relief, used in labour.
Nerve blockAn injection that numbs one part of the body.
No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.
Related pages
Related departments and guides
Questions about ICU care or anaesthesia?
Speak with our team. In an emergency, come straight to the 24×7 emergency department.
Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.
About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Critical Care & Anaesthesia, Charak Hospital & Research Centre · Last updated: October 2026
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