Karnataka approves Rs 10 Crore plan to upgrade trauma care centres in 11 Hospitals

The scheme seeks to strengthen trauma care services by enhancing emergency response capabilities and critical care infrastructure through the procurement of advanced medical equipment and ambulances.

This includes the Mysuru District Hospital in Mysuru district, as well as the Taluk hospitals in Nanjangud, Heggadadevankote, Hunsur, Periyapatna, and K.R. Nagar; additionally, it covers the Chamarajanagar District Hospital in the neighbouring Chamarajanagar district, along with the Taluk hospitals in Kollegala, Yelandur, and Gundlupet.

According to an ET news report, a government order was issued in this regard on Friday, stating that these upgrades will be carried out under the 'National Trauma and Burn Care Management Programme'.

Along with this, sources within the Health Department stated that strengthening trauma care at taluka hospitals would greatly benefit the rural population, which is currently compelled to travel long distances to access better medical treatment during emergency situations.

"Both districts possess an extensive network of state and national highways, and an increase in the number of accidents is being observed here. This initiative is expected to reduce the burden on the district hospitals of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar”, an official from the Health Department stated.

Furthermore, Dr S Chidambar, the Health Officer of Chamarajanagar district, stated that upgrading the taluk hospitals would help provide treatment to victims at the local level itself. He also noted that this equipment is essential for treating patients during accidents and other emergency situations.

Meanwhile, a budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated for the procurement of necessary equipment and 13 ambulances; these ambulances comprise two Advanced Life Support (ALS) units and 11 Basic Life Support (BLS) units. Therefore, having finalised the list of equipment, the government has also granted conditional approval to invite tenders under the 'Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act' (KTPP Act).

The approved list includes several key support systems related to trauma and surgery, such as Image Intensifiers (C-Arms), trolley-mounted 3D ultrasonography units, 500 mA X-ray machines equipped with darkroom facilities, and 100 mA portable X-ray machines. The upgrade of the operating theatres will encompass four-section orthopaedic OT tables, shadowless ceiling lights, and anaesthesia machines paired with six-to-eight-channel monitors.

Hospitals will also be equipped with mono- and bipolar cautery machines, high-vacuum suction units, pneumatic tourniquets, sets of general surgical instruments, orthopaedic instrument kits, power drills and saws, splints and traction systems, patient-warming devices, and rehabilitation training kits.