LUCKNOW, July 26 -- With Intensive Care Units (ICUs) operational in 40 district hospitals across the state, access to advanced medical treatment for critically ill patients at the local level has improved significantly, according to a press statement issued by the state government on Friday.

Launched nearly 15 months ago, the initiative has enabled more than 2,100 patients to receive timely, life-saving care in their districts, bringing much-needed relief to families who would otherwise be forced to travel to Lucknow or Delhi, the statement added.

Earlier, many district hospitals had the physical infrastructure for ICUs, but lacked the trained personnel to operate them effectively. This led to the frequent referral of critical patients ...