Health Dept readies for emergency situation amid India-Pak tensions
A high-level committee led by PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal conducted an extensive inspection of the Advanced Trauma Centre (ATC) to evaluate its readiness to handle any emergency that may arise in the wake of heightened tension between India and Pakistan.
Deputy Director Administration Pankaj Rai and Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Vipin Kaushal were part of the panel. The committee conducted a detailed review of the ATC’s capacity to manage potential influx of patients, with focus on bed availability, ICU facilities, ventilator support, essential drugs, surgical implants, and the status of the blood bank.
During the inspection, Prof Lal issued standing instructions to ensure optimal operational readiness of the centre, reinforcing the institute’s responsibility in responding to national emergencies.
Prof Lal said, “The PGIMER remains committed to safeguarding human lives and is fully prepared to respond effectively to any emergency, regardless of the challenges we face.”
In a parallel development, the PGI has deputed a dedicated medical team to assist with national emergency duties in Jammu and Kashmir. The team comprises specialists and nursing staff drawn from various departments. The team will report to Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal-cum-Dean, Government Medical College, Jammu.
Disaster control room set up
The UT Health Department has activated its disaster management protocol as directed by the Centre. A disaster control room has been set up at the GMSH, Sector 16, which will remain functional round the clock. The Emergency at the GMSH-16 and allied civil hospitals have been reinforced with additional staff, essential equipment, and ample stocks of emergency medicines. The department has cancelled leave of staff and drawn up rotational duty rosters.
All staff has been trained in revised disaster management protocols, particularly in managing operations during blackouts or infrastructure disruptions.
Elective procedures and surgeries have been temporarily reduced, while emergency interventions continue without interruption. In anticipation of high demand, the Blood Bank has organised special donation drives to boost inventory, ensuring an adequate supply of blood units in case of mass casualty.
A consultative meeting with the president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) was held to keep private healthcare providers and medical practitioners informed and aligned with the government’s emergency response framework.
Similarly, the GMCH-32 has also implemented robust internal measures to respond to emergencies, including the activation of a disaster control room. The facility is operational with designated officers, including heads of Emergency services, IT, security, nursing, and blood bank. These officials will serve as a quick response team for any urgent hospital needs.
Patient footfall drops at PGI
While core services continue to function, the PGI authorities have reported a notable dip in its outpatient department (OPD) footfall over the past five days. The number of patients dropped from over 10,000 earlier in the week to 8,435 on May 9, reflecting heightened public concern and possibly the early effects of the unfolding emergency.
In view of the sudden decline in patient turnout, the PGI is considering modifications to its OPD operations. It is being mulled to reduce physical OPD hours and expand telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up patients.
Convocation cancelled
The GMCH, Sector 32, has announced that its convocation ceremony, which was scheduled for May 10, has been postponed. A revised date for the convocation will be finalised once the situation stabilises.
Chandigarh