Nimhans' polytrauma unit near airport gets central nod

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is set to receive an upgrade in its emergency medical infrastructure with the Union government's approval for a 300-bed polytrauma unit of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans) near the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

The project, estimated at Rs 498 crore, aims to provide critical, life-saving care to accident victims.

The crucial nod came from the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance on Friday, coinciding with the Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations in Bengaluru.

Welcoming the development, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya said, "The establishment of a polytrauma centre close to the airport will help in providing emergency relief to accident victims. It is vital that accident victims receive critical care during the Golden Hour, and this centre is an important step in reducing fatality and saving thousands of lives."

The World Health Organisation has projected that road traffic accidents will become the fifth leading cause of death by 2030. In India, in 2022, there were 4,61,312 road accidents, claiming 1,68,491 lives and injuring 4,43,366 people. This marked an increase of 11.9% in accidents and 9.4% in fatalities compared to the previous year.

The facility, to be built on 39 acres allotted in Kyalasanahalli in 2012-13, is deemed crucial given the high incidence of road traffic accidents, a leading cause of death and injury in the country.

With in-principal approval now secured, final clearance from the Union Health Ministry is expected soon, paving the way for the operationalisation of this vital regional emergency care unit.