This Policy Brief highlights the need for a Comprehensive Emergency and Trauma Care System Plan in Chhattisgarh as the state faces high mortality rates, with the state recording a substantial number of fatalities due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries.
Road traffic crashes result in a significant number of deaths, with 15 fatalities per day in the state. These emergencies affect individuals across various age groups, with a higher burden on the economically productive age range of 15 to 39 years in the state, as noted
in the case of transport and unintentional injuries. The persistently high road crash fatality rate and accidental death rate, exceeding the national average, underscores the urgency of providing comprehensive care for medical and trauma emergencies.
Secondly, the identification of 118 accident-prone areas, with a significant concentration along national and state highways, particularly on the NH30, NH43, NH53, NH130, SH1 highlights the pressing need to enhance emergency services near these accident-prone areas.
Thirdly, the existing public healthcare infrastructure is limited in its ability to provide comprehensive emergency and trauma care. Although efforts are underway to improve facilities and expand services, better planning, and resource prioritization is required to meet the rising demand.
Fourthly, the state relies heavily on pre-hospital transportation services provided by the National Health Mission, emphasizing the importance of a well-coordinated and responsive pre-hospital care system including the cost of private ambulance services.
With a majority of the population residing in rural areas, about 76% as per Census 2011, ensuring access to emergency and trauma care services is vital.
In summary, the state is burdened with a high prevalence of emergencies, the impact on various age groups, and the significant issue of road traffic crashes. A Comprehensive Emergency and Trauma Care System Plan is essential for saving lives, reducing the burden on the healthcare system, and reducing the fatalities, injuries, and disability.
