Delhi’s Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital is on the verge of unveiling a significant addition to its medical infrastructure—a state-of-the-art trauma centre. Expected to become operational by September, this facility promises to be a crucial asset for accident victims and individuals with severe injuries.
Completion Timeline and Preparations
According to S K Kakraan, Medical Superintendent of the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, efforts are being made to expedite the final touches. “We have asked the PWD to hand over the hospital by the end of this month. After that, it will take around a month to arrange for equipment and staff,” Kakraan explained, expressing optimism about the centre’s operational status by September.
Features of the New Trauma Centre
The new trauma centre at the Delhi government-run Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital is poised to be “the country’s largest trauma centre,” boasting 362 beds, including 39 specialized trauma care beds. The facility will also feature six modular operation theatres, ensuring advanced surgical capabilities. An official from the Public Works Department (PWD) noted, “The building is complete. Now the work of putting up furniture is being carried out.”
Construction and Financial Details
The trauma centre, constructed at a cost of Rs 117.78 crore, has encountered multiple delays since its inception. Initially slated for completion in May this year, the project faced several setbacks. Nevertheless, officials are confident that the centre will be ready by July 31. Kakraan highlighted that construction efforts had intensified in recent months to meet the upcoming deadline.
Historical Context and Delays
The foundation stone for the trauma centre was laid by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in September 2019, with an original completion target set for 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the construction timeline, pushing the deadline to 2022. During the pandemic, many workers left the site, and even after restrictions were lifted, further delays occurred due to pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi.
Government Oversight and Concerns
Last year, during a surprise inspection, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj raised concerns about the slow pace of construction. The minister emphasized the urgent need for the new trauma centre, citing the scarcity of such facilities in Delhi. He noted that the lack of local trauma centres often forces patients to be transported to distant hospitals, leading to treatment delays and increased mortality rates.
Expected Benefits of the Trauma Centre
Once operational, the trauma centre is expected to significantly enhance medical services for accident victims and others in need of urgent care in and around Delhi. The facility’s advanced features and strategic location aim to reduce the time taken to deliver critical medical interventions, thereby improving patient outcomes.
With its anticipated opening in September, the new trauma centre at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital stands to be a game-changer for trauma care in Delhi. Despite the numerous delays and challenges, the completion of this facility will mark a significant milestone in the city’s healthcare infrastructure, offering timely and advanced medical care to those in dire need.
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