Neonatal Care in Bhubaneswar | Level III NICU at Rahat Hospital
Level III
Highest NICU Standard in Bhubaneswar
2 Specialists
Neonatologist and Neonatal Surgeon On-Site
24/7
Round-the-Clock NICU Cover
Saheed Nagar
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Every second matters when it comes to a newborn’s health. At Rahat Hospital, our Level III NICU and specialist neonatal team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that every critically ill newborn in Bhubaneswar receives the highest standard of care from their very first breath.
Our neonatal unit is led by Dr. Kanhu Panda, a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist with a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Paediatric Critical Care, and supported by Dr. Abhishek Anand, Consultant Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon. Together, they provide complete medical and surgical neonatal care under one roof, backed by one of Bhubaneswar’s most advanced Level III NICUs.
Services: Level III NICU | Premature Baby Care | Neonatal Jaundice Phototherapy | Newborn Screening | 24/7 Emergency NICU Admission | Neonatal Surgery Support
Neonatal & Newborn Care Services at Rahat Hospital
Comprehensive care from the moment of birth, covering critical NICU-level emergencies, routine newborn care, screening, surgery, and long-term developmental follow-up.
Level III NICU Intensive Neonatal Care
Rahat Hospital operates a Level III NICU, the highest classification of neonatal intensive care in India. The unit is equipped with closed incubators, mechanical ventilators, CPAP units, phototherapy systems, infusion pumps, and continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring. It is staffed by trained neonatal nurses and supervised by Dr. Kanhu Panda around the clock. Level III status means our NICU can manage extreme prematurity from 28 weeks of gestation, multi-organ involvement, and post-surgical neonatal recovery — cases that cannot be handled in Level I or Level II units.
Premature Baby Care
Specialist management of preterm newborns from approximately 28 weeks of gestation. NICU care for premature babies includes thermoregulation in closed incubators, CPAP or ventilatory respiratory support, parenteral and enteral nutrition, infection surveillance, and developmental monitoring. Kangaroo mother care is incorporated into the protocol as clinical stability allows.
Newborn Screening
All newborns born at or admitted to Rahat Hospital are offered screening for congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, metabolic disorders, and hearing impairment. Screening is integrated into the NICU admission protocol and conducted shortly after birth to allow timely intervention before clinical symptoms develop.
Neonatal Resuscitation and Stabilisation
Immediate newborn resuscitation at birth using evidence-based Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP) protocols. The NICU team is present or on immediate standby at every high-risk delivery. Rapid stabilisation of newborns with birth asphyxia, respiratory distress, and circulatory compromise is managed by trained specialists from the moment of birth.
Neonatal Sepsis Management
Early recognition and treatment of neonatal infections using targeted IV antibiotic protocols, blood culture monitoring, and full supportive care within the NICU. Prompt admission to the NICU significantly reduces the risk of systemic deterioration and septic shock in affected newborns.
Therapeutic Hypothermia for Birth Asphyxia
For newborns with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), therapeutic hypothermia is initiated within six hours of birth. This evidence-based NICU intervention reduces neurological injury and improves long-term developmental outcomes. Our NICU team follows current national and international guidelines for HIE management.
Vaccination and Immunisation
Complete IAP-recommended immunisation schedules from birth through adolescence. Birth-dose vaccines including BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV are administered in the delivery room, with a structured follow-up schedule for all subsequent childhood vaccines.
Congenital Anomaly Surgery
Surgical correction of structural birth defects including oesophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal obstruction, and anorectal malformations. Dr. Abhishek Anand performs these procedures using minimally invasive techniques wherever clinically appropriate, with the NICU providing pre-operative stabilisation and post-operative intensive care.
Neonatal Jaundice and Phototherapy
Early identification and treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia using single and double phototherapy units within the NICU. Bilirubin levels are monitored regularly through transcutaneous and serum testing, and treatment intensity is adjusted accordingly. Exchange transfusion is available for severe cases where phototherapy alone is insufficient.
Growth and Developmental Assessment
Structured milestone monitoring for NICU graduates and high-risk newborns. Early identification of developmental delays with appropriate referrals for early intervention, physiotherapy, and specialist follow-up as required.
Your Newborn Deserves the Best Start in Life. Rahat Hospital’s Level III NICU is Ready 24/7 in Bhubaneswar.
Neonatal Conditions Managed at Rahat Hospital's N
Our Level III NICU and neonatal team are equipped to manage the full spectrum of newborn health conditions, from common jaundice to complex surgical anomalies requiring specialist intervention.
Neonatal Jaundice (Hyperbilirubinaemia) Single and double phototherapy within the NICU, bilirubin monitoring, and exchange transfusion where indicated.
Prematurity and Low Birth Weight Closed incubator care, thermoregulation, CPAP or ventilatory respiratory support, parenteral nutrition, and kangaroo mother care.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Surfactant therapy, CPAP, and mechanical ventilation for newborns with immature or compromised lungs, managed within the Level III NICU.
Neonatal Sepsis and Infections Blood cultures, targeted IV antibiotic therapy, continuous NICU monitoring, and supportive care.
Birth Asphyxia and Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Immediate NICU resuscitation and therapeutic hypothermia protocols to minimise neurological injury.
Neonatal Seizures Rapid antiepileptic management, EEG monitoring, and neurological follow-up within the NICU.
Congenital Heart Defects (suspected) Initial NICU stabilisation, echocardiogram evaluation, and coordinated management prior to further intervention.
Neonatal Hypoglycaemia Blood glucose monitoring, IV dextrose support within the NICU, and investigation of the underlying cause.
Congenital Anomalies Requiring Surgery NICU-based pre-operative stabilisation and post-operative recovery for oesophageal atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal obstruction, tracheoesophageal fistula, and anorectal malformations.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) Airway clearance, surfactant therapy, and NICU-based respiratory support for affected newborns.
Meet the Neonatal Care Specialists
Two dedicated specialists — a neonatologist and a neonatal surgeon — working together within Rahat Hospital’s Level III NICU so your newborn always has the right expertise on hand.
Dr. Kanhu Panda - Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist | NICU Lead, Rahat Hospital
- MBBS, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur (2012), Gold Medallist and Best Medical Graduate
- MD Paediatrics, VSSIMSAR, Burla, Sambalpur University (2018)
- Post-Doctoral Fellow, Paediatric Critical Care, DMCH, Ludhiana (Level III PICU)
- PGPN (Paediatric Nutrition), Boston, USA
- Member, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP)
Specialisations
Neonatology | Paediatric Critical Care | Premature Baby Care | Neonatal Respiratory Support | Therapeutic Hypothermia | Child Nutrition | Vaccination | Developmental Assessment | Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Disease
12+ Years of Clinical Experience
Dr. Abhishek Anand - Consultant Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon | NICU Surgical Support, Rahat Hospital
- MBBS, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore (2014)
- DNB Paediatric Surgery, National Board of Examinations, New Delhi (2021)
- Expert in Minimally Invasive Paediatric and Neonatal Surgery
Specialisations
Neonatal Surgery | Congenital Anomaly Correction | Paediatric Surgery | Minimally Invasive Neonatal Surgery | Paediatric Oncology Surgery | Thoracic Surgery
11+ Years of Clinical Experience
How Neonatal Care Works at Rahat Hospital
From the delivery room to discharge and beyond, every step is structured, evidence-based, and family-inclusive.
Step 1 — Delivery Room Readiness
The neonatal team is present or immediately available at every high-risk delivery. NICU resuscitation equipment is prepared and checked before every birth. For planned procedures, a neonatal handover plan is established in advance so the NICU is ready before the baby arrives.
Step 2 — Immediate Newborn Assessment and NICU Admission
temperature stabilisation, blood glucose monitoring, and clinical examination are completed within the first hour of life. Any newborn showing signs of distress is admitted to the NICU immediately. IV access is established and initial investigations including blood gas, full blood count, blood culture, and bilirubin are ordered as clinically indicated.
Step 3 — NICU Management Plan
Dr. Kanhu Panda reviews all NICU admissions and establishes a formal management plan covering respiratory support, phototherapy, antibiotic therapy, nutritional plan, and monitoring parameters. The plan is reviewed and updated at every daily ward round.
Step 4 — Daily Consultant Review and Parent Briefings
Dr. Kanhu Panda or Dr. Abhishek Anand conducts formal daily ward rounds in the NICU. Parents receive a structured briefing every day covering their baby’s progress, overnight events, any changes to the treatment plan, and what to expect in the coming days. Questions are welcomed and answered at every briefing.
Step 5 — NICU Discharge Planning and Developmental Follow-Up
Discharge from the NICU is planned collaboratively with parents, covering home feeding guidance, medication, vaccination schedule, and follow-up appointments. NICU graduates are enrolled in a developmental surveillance programme to monitor growth and milestones and identify any early intervention needs.
Why Choose Rahat Hospital's NICU for Neonatal Care in Bhubaneswar?
Level III NICU — The Highest Standard Available in Bhubaneswar
Rahat Hospital’s NICU holds Level III status, meaning it is equipped to manage the most complex neonatal cases including extreme prematurity, multi-organ involvement, and post-surgical neonatal recovery. Very few hospitals in Bhubaneswar offer this level of neonatal intensive care, making Rahat Hospital a primary referral destination for critically ill newborns in Odisha.
Dr. Kanhu Panda — Post-Doctoral PICU Fellowship
Dr. Panda completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Paediatric Critical Care at a Level III PICU (DMCH, Ludhiana). This qualification is uncommon among neonatologists in Bhubaneswar and means our NICU is supervised by a doctor trained in the most advanced level of paediatric intensive care, not just general paediatrics.
Neonatologist and Neonatal Surgeon Under One Roof
Dr. Kanhu Panda (Neonatologist) and Dr. Abhishek Anand (Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon) work together within the same facility. Newborns requiring surgical intervention can be assessed, stabilised in the NICU, operated on, and recovered without inter-hospital transfer.
NICU Directly Connected to the Maternity Unit
Rahat Hospital’s NICU is located within the same building as the maternity, labour, and delivery ward. Newborns requiring immediate NICU admission at birth can be transferred within minutes, eliminating the clinical risks and delays of inter-hospital neonatal transport.
24/7 Specialist Nursing Cover in the NICU
The NICU is staffed around the clock by trained neonatal nurses who provide continuous monitoring, feeding support, and clinical care between consultant rounds.
Family-Centred NICU Care
Parents are briefed daily by the treating consultant. Kangaroo mother care and parental involvement in routine NICU care are actively encouraged as clinical stability allows. Parents are kept informed and involved throughout their newborn’s NICU journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Rahat Hospital have a NICU in Bhubaneswar?
Yes. Rahat Hospital operates a fully equipped Level III NICU in Bhubaneswar, the highest classification of neonatal intensive care. The unit is staffed 24/7 by specialist nursing teams and supervised by Dr. Kanhu Panda, a post-doctoral trained neonatologist with over 12 years of experience.
Q2: What level is Rahat Hospital's NICU and what does it mean?
Rahat Hospital operates a Level III NICU, the highest level of neonatal intensive care. Level III NICUs are equipped to manage extreme prematurity from 28 weeks of gestation, mechanical ventilation, multi-organ support, surgical neonatal cases, and therapeutic hypothermia. Level I and Level II NICUs are not equipped for these cases. Very few hospitals in Bhubaneswar operate at Level III standard.
Q3: Can Rahat Hospital's NICU treat premature babies?
Yes. Our Level III NICU is equipped to manage premature infants from approximately 28 weeks of gestation. We provide thermoregulation in closed incubators, CPAP and mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, and kangaroo mother care, all under Dr. Kanhu Panda’s direct NICU supervision.
Q4: How is neonatal jaundice treated in Rahat Hospital's NICU?
Neonatal jaundice is treated with single or double phototherapy units within the NICU. Bilirubin is monitored regularly and treatment intensity is adjusted accordingly. Exchange transfusion is available for severe cases. Most newborns with jaundice respond well within two to three days of phototherapy.
Q5: Is a neonatal surgeon available at Rahat Hospital's NICU?
Yes. Dr. Abhishek Anand, Consultant Paediatric and Neonatal Surgeon with over 11 years of experience, is attached to Rahat Hospital’s NICU. Newborns requiring surgical correction of congenital anomalies can be stabilised in the NICU and operated on within the same facility, without being transferred to another hospital.