LUCKNOW, Sept. 19 -- For nearly a dozen patients who once battled for their lives in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), returning to the hospital this week was an emotional journey back to the place where their lives had taken a critical turn. The department of critical care medicine (CCM) celebrated its Foundation Day on September 17 with "Navjeevan: A New Dawn", placing ICU survivors and their families at the heart of this year's programme. This year's celebrations focussed on honouring the courage of patients who survived critical illness and the families who sided with them through some of the most uncertain days of their lives. Around 10-12 ICU survivors, accompanied by their family members, attended the programme. Many expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and support staff who cared for them during their treatment. For their families, however, the gathering also brought back memories of difficult days spent waiting for updates outside the ICU. Family members spoke about the uncertainty and emotional strain they experienced while their loved ones remained critically ill. The programme also recognised ICU personnel who work largely behind the scenes, honouring their dedication and selfless service with tokens of appreciation. Dr Banani Poddar delivered the welcome address, while concluding with a vote of thanks by Prof Afzal Azim. htc...