A two-day National Consultation Meeting on "Strategies to Combat Overcrowding at Emergency Departments across India" was inaugurated today at AIIMS Bhopal. Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Shri Apurva Chandra, who joined the conference virtually, commended the efforts of AIIMS Bhopal, stating, "AIIMS Bhopal, with its limited resources, is managing its Trauma and Emergency Medicine Department efficiently. Emergency medicine is a specialized area, and I invite Prof. Dr. Ajai Singh for a presentation in the Ministry and NITI Aayog."
Joint Secretary Ms. Ankita Sharma Bundela congratulated the organizers through virtual mode, emphasizing the challenges faced in handling trauma and emergency cases. "Handling trauma and emergency cases is very challenging. We need dedicated and trained manpower in this field," she said.
Prof (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, highlighted the critical issue of overcrowding, stating, "Overcrowding is a serious concern, and we need to handle it efficiently. We have developed SOPs for 'One State, One Health, One Emergency,' and suitable work is being carried out in UP and MP for implementation. The establishment of a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Unit at AIIMS Bhopal is a significant step forward, addressing the unique needs of children and ensuring they receive the specialized care they deserve.
INDUSEM CEO Dr. Sagar C. Galwankar emphasized the importance of innovative approaches and dedicated efforts in the field of emergency medicine. Dr. Sagar said "Overcrowding in emergency departments is a critical issue that demands immediate and innovative solutions. For the past 20 years, we at INDUSEM have been committed to advancing the field of emergency medicine, establishing specialized units, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Our efforts must extend beyond conventional approaches; we need to think outside the box to develop comprehensive strategies that can effectively manage the increasing patient load in emergency departments.
Dr. Sanjeev Bhoi from AIIMS New Delhi and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center, said that it is also essential to acknowledge the role of trained manpower in this field. We must invest in training programs for paramedics and other healthcare professionals, ensuring they are equipped to handle emergency cases effectively. The golden hour, the critical time from the accident site to the hospital, is crucial for saving lives, and our focus should be on optimizing this period through swift and skilled intervention.
The meeting included various sessions focusing on different aspects of emergency medicine, such as overcrowding challenges, simulation and education, telemedicine, and capacity management. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions, sharing their insights and proposing innovative solutions to improve emergency care services across India. The event saw participation from over 150 specialists from across the country, aiming to address the pressing issue of overcrowding in emergency departments.
