Cuttack: As the demand for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machines for treatment of critically-ill COVID-19 patients rises in Odisha, two ECMO machines will be made functional at SCB Medical College and Hospital here by the end of July.

Speaking to mediapersons, Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) Chief CBK Mohanty said an ECMO machine arrived in the hospital yesterday and another will reach by end of this month. 

"Training on handling of ECMO is underway. Experts will be appointed for operation of the machines," said the DMET Chief.

The ECMO machines will treat critical COVID patients and other critical patients.  The facility help patients, who are being referred to healthcare facilities outside the state for ECMO support.

Earlier on July 15, an ECMO was inaugurated at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here.