Khurda: A trauma care centre, which was constructed at the district headquarters hospital (DHH) here about 11 years ago, was inaugurated without proper infrastructure in place.
Sources said the critical care unit, which has 10 beds and four intensive care units (ICUs), was constructed at a cost of `65 lakh and the project was completed way back in 2005.
Construction of the trauma care unit had raised hopes among the residents, who thought that they would not have to rush to Bhubaneswar for treatment. However, the dismal condition of the trauma care centre has ruined their hopes. Moreover, sudden inauguration of the unit by local MLA Rajendra Sahu has also raised eyebrows even as many view it as a plank for panchayat election.
Although 11 posts including one orthopaedic specialist, three anaesthetists and three surgery specialists were sanctioned for the trauma care centre, it was launched with only five specialists.
Sources said one of the beds has already been damaged and kept on the roof of the trauma care unit. Similarly, the asbestos roof, which has been damaged, is leaking during rains. Besides, sanitation at the facility is in bad shape.
Though one ambulance from the trauma care unit was sent to Nabarangpur district headquarters hospital long ago, it is yet to come back. Similarly, eight ventilators were sent to Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack during a series of child deaths.
According to sources, at least eight to 10 mishap victims visit the hospital everyday while 10 to 20 people die in several accidents every month. While some of the accident victims die due to lack of critical care en route to hospitals, some die after reaching the hospital.
When contacted, chief district medical officer Sarada Prasanna Mishra said, “The trauma care unit has been inaugurated keeping in view the public demand, repeated discussions at the zilla parishad meeting, intervention of local MLA and protest by BJP.
Initially, orthopaedic OPD will function from the unit and the trauma care will become functional soon.” PNN
