Race against time to get Sushruta centre Games-ready

A lack of basic equipment and staff notwithstanding, the Delhi government’s only trauma centre — Sushruta — has set itself the lofty target of becoming a world-class trauma facility before the Commonwealth Games. The administration is hoping to get a project worth Rs 10 crore approved, tenders floated and renovation completed — all in the 62 days before the Games.

What is even more surprising is that the Delhi government’s Health department has not listed the trauma centre as among the nodal centres where emergencies would be treated during the Games. “This is mainly for events happening in the Delhi University area. We are the closest centre and we want to be ready for all eventualities,” said Dr Ajay Gupta, Medical Superintendent of the trauma centre.

According to sources, the project has already been approved by Health Minister Kiran Walia and is likely to get a go-ahead from the Chief Minister within a week. “We want to float tenders at the earliest so that the first phase is complete before the Games,” added Dr Gupta.

The project was first discussed last year and was dismissed after failing to secure the Finance Ministry’s approval. “For any project costing above Rs 5 crore, approval from the Ministry is required. Since Sushruta could not secure an approval, they have broken down the project so that the value does not go above Rs 5 crore. It would be easier to get permissions this way,” said a senior doctor at the trauma centre.

In the proposal, the trauma centre’s administration has sought Rs 3 crore for replacement of air conditioners with energy-efficient technology. Another Rs 3.5 crore for upgrading infrastructure.

The Delhi government recently sanctioned a proposal to convert the trauma centre — which is at present functioning as an annexure to the Maulana Azad Medical College — into a medical college. An ordinance to this effect was signed by Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna in May this year.

Existing non-teaching posts at the trauma centre would be converted into teaching posts. The budget would also be used to hire personnel and convert the facility into a teaching centre. Faculty members from the Lok Nayak and G B Pant hospitals will also be posted at the centre.