Revamp of hospitals to air ambulances: Shot in arm for NCR trauma network soon

Gurgaon: NCR states are all set to witness an enhancement in its trauma care infrastructure, which will help reduce road fatalities. A blueprint has been sanctioned by the department of expenditure (DoE) of the Union finance ministry. The initiative with a funding scheme of Rs 1,000 crore for FY 24-25 will augment emergency medical services across Haryana, UP and Rajasthan, according to officials.
The states will furnish comprehensive proposals to NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) for meticulous appraisal and recommendation to DoE this week. As part of the project, air ambulance services will be launched at select district-level hospitals.
While existing helipads will be revamped in phase-1, new ones will be set up in the next phase. According to the plan, two air ambulances will be stationed at selected district-level hospitals in Haryana to provide rapid medical evacuation and emergency care.
Also, as many as 14 govt hospitals at district headquarters will witness their trauma facilities elevated from level-3 to level-2, ensuring superior emergency care. Also, 14 level-2 trauma facilities will be outfitted with state-of-the-art blood banks to buttress critical medical procedures. Level-3 trauma centres can treat patients with moderate injuries, while level-2 facilities can provide immediate 24-hour coverage to patients who are in critical condition. A mobile App with GIS locations of trauma care network will be developed with the help of national information centre to make it easier for citizens to identify the nearest available trauma care facility in their respective region.
"We will be having a meeting this week to decide on the plan. We have already received the proposal and are working on it. We will we submit the plan this week," said chief medical officer Virender Yadav.
Also, a robust network of blood banks will be set up, featuring both advanced and basic facilities. Level-2 trauma facilities will house advanced blood banks, while community health centres (CHCs) will have basic facilities with storage and transfusion capabilities.
Existing govt CHCs will be modernised, including provision of X-ray facilities with musculofascial X-ray capabilities. This will improve overall healthcare infrastructure at the community level.
ALS ground ambulances will be strategically placed at CHCs and other hospitals to provide immediate advanced life support to patients in need.
In phase-2, the project will expand to include more hospitals, helipads, CHCs, advanced blood banks, and additional safety measures like runaway truck ramps and signages.
"Inclusion of additional safety measures like runaway truck ramps and signages in phase-II demonstrates a comprehensive approach to trauma care, taking into account the prevention of accidents and the promotion of road safety," the CMO said.
The upgrade of trauma care facilities across NCR is a much-needed step towards improving emergency medical services in the region. With the introduction of air ambulances, advanced blood banks, and modernised CHCs, patients will have access to timely and effective treatment during critical situations.
Strategic placement of ALS ground ambulances will further enhance response time and ensure that patients receive advanced life support at the earliest possible moment. The initiative will not only save lives but also reduce the burden on tertiary care hospitals.
Moreover, the project's phased approach allows for a systematic and efficient implementation of the infrastructure upgrades. By prioritising the improvement of existing helipads and upgrading district-level hospitals in phase-I, the move ensures that most critical aspects of trauma care are addressed first.