Urgent Need for Enhanced Emergency Care Departments in District Hospitals
Call for Improved Emergency Care Facilities
New Delhi, March 9: During a recent webinar following the Budget announcement, experts emphasized the immediate need to transform district hospital casualty wards into fully operational Emergency Care Departments. These facilities should include triage, resuscitation, and various essential services, as stated in an official release on Monday.
It was suggested that these emergency departments should be equipped with ambulance bays, diagnostic tools, and emergency surgical theatres.
The webinar focused on enhancing Emergency and Trauma Care Centres, improving pre-hospital responses, and integrating the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) with ambulance services and hospitals, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Participants highlighted the necessity for better coordination among emergency services and the enhancement of operational capabilities within emergency response systems, as per the official statement.
Dr. VK Paul, a member of NITI Aayog, stressed that improving emergency and trauma care at the district level requires a structured and results-driven approach. He pointed out the significance of tracking key performance indicators to enhance responses and treatments for urgent medical situations. Additionally, he advocated for the use of digital technologies and real-time monitoring to achieve the integration discussed by other attendees.
Dr. Paul also urged for ongoing training and skill development for emergency care personnel to establish a robust and responsive emergency care framework.
Discussions included the expansion of MD and DNB programs in Emergency Medicine, the creation of a dedicated cadre of Emergency Medical Officers, and initiatives focused on skill-based training to develop a sustainable workforce in emergency care.
The session gathered policymakers, public health specialists, clinicians, administrators, and state government representatives to discuss strategies for enhancing emergency and trauma care systems and ensuring the effective execution of the Budget proposals.
In the Union Budget for 2026–27, a significant initiative was announced to bolster emergency healthcare services nationwide, proposing a 50% increase in emergency and trauma care capabilities at district hospitals through the establishment of dedicated Emergency and Trauma Care Centres.