Wait gets longer for trauma centre at IGMC inShimla

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 6

The 70-bed trauma centre at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital may miss its December deadline for want of funds. “The Central Government has given only Rs 2 crore for the 14-crore Centre,” said officials.

The trauma centre is expected to bring relief to 60 to 70 patients, including accident victims, who need trauma services at the hospital every day.

The Emergency has only 10 beds and critical patients are referred to the PGI, Chandigarh, due to lack of trauma services. As beds are limited in the Emergency, trolleys are arranged for patients. “After some time, the patients are shifted to general ward having 30 beds,” said a doctor. Every five out of 70 patients brought to the Emergency need life support.

For the Emergency, there are 10 ventilators — four in the intensive care unit and six at high dependency unit. “In total, there are 35 ventilators,” said an IGMC official.

The trauma centre is being set up on the first two floors of the new OPD block. “We will shift the Emergency and integrate it with the centre once it is ready,” said Dr Janak Raj, Medical Superintendent, IGMC.

“The centre will be equipped with modern life support system and ventilators, modern intensive care units, operation theatres, labs,” said another official.

“The state government has to arrange the remaining amount, which is Rs 12 crore,” he added.

“We have directed the Health Department and the PWD to complete the work by December and will fund the project as the Centre has already given its share. The new OPD Block is being readied in a phased manner,” said Health Minister Vipin Parmar.

Parmar said the equipment and labs were being set up for the purpose.