Date:14/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/14/stories/2007121456001400.htm

National

Trauma care centres to be set up on NHs

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday decided to set up an integrated network of trauma care centres along the major road-links to help accident victims get competent medical care in the shortest possible time.

These centres would be established by upgrading the trauma care facilities in 140 State government hospitals along the Golden Quadrilateral — the north-south and east-west corridors of the National Highways.

In fact, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval to the upgrading of 20 State government hospitals to level I trauma care centres; 40 to level II trauma care centres; and 80 to level III trauma care centres at a total cost of Rs.732.75 crore during the 11th Five-Year Plan.

Briefing media after the CCEA meeting, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters that the setting up of the integrated network of trauma centres along the highways would ensure that accident victims got competent medical assistance in the shortest possible time thereby saving precious lives.

Harbour wall berths

Another proposal cleared by the CCEA related to the development of harbour wall berths at the Mumbai port. The development of such berths (18-22 at the Indira Dock) is estimated to cost Rs.353 crore.

The funds would be generated by the Mumbai Port Trust internally.