After missing several deadlines, GMCH trauma centre to be ready by year-end

The much-delayed emergency-cum-trauma centre at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, is slated for completion by the end of this year.

Green-lit in 2019, the 259-bedded emergency and trauma centre at GMCH-32 has run into one hurdle after the other. As per the GMCH-32 administration, the construction of the building is nearing completion.

According to a senior official from the GMCH-32, the chief engineer has now given an opinion that instead of aluminum doors and windows, UPVC may be used as it is long lasting and work for that is still on.

The director principal has asked the engineering wing to complete the project as per new timeline as the project has been significantly delayed due to various reasons, including the pandemic.

According to a senior official, it was ensured by the engineering department personnel that they will do their best to complete the project by December 2024.

The plan outlined the completion of the 259-bedded emergency and trauma block within 18 months post the allocation of work, with the deadline being set for February 2022, but the work is still incomplete.

Back in 2019, the UT administration had given the go-ahead for the construction of the centre, with an expected expenditure of ₹52.77 lakh.

The facility assumes significance as the only operational trauma centre catering to patients and victims of natural/manmade disasters, road accidents and other major immediate medical needs is at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

The GMCH-32 attends to patients not only from Chandigarh but also from neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh as well.

The current emergency block, equipped with 45 beds, witnesses a daily influx exceeding 400 patients.

Amid the heavy rush, patients are examined on stretchers and trolleys. Block A is slated to host the forthcoming emergency-cum-trauma centre, supplanting the existing emergency facility, which is set for demolition.

Simultaneously, the Block K section of the hospital is earmarked for the establishment of a new mother and childcare centre.

The emergency block is designed to incorporate clinical laboratories, along with X-ray, CT scan, and MRI facilities. Besides, it will house a pharmacy, two emergency operating theatres, a minor operating theatre, post-operative wards, an isolation ward, and parking in the twin basements accommodating 59 four-wheelers and 144 two-wheelers. The block is also set to include provisions for central air-conditioning, firefighting and fire sensing systems.

A cutting-edge intensive care unit (ICU) with 24 beds, a 64-bedded ward for stable patients, two isolation wards comprising 33 beds, and a 47-bed ambulatory care ward are part of the upcoming plans.