In a significant step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the twin districts of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, the Karnataka government has approved a long-pending proposal to upgrade trauma care centres at two district hospitals and nine taluk hospitals.
The decision aims to improve emergency response and trauma treatment capacity, particularly for accident victims and patients requiring urgent care.
Hospitals Covered Under the Upgrade
As reported by TOI, the upgrade will cover Mysuru District Hospital and five taluk hospitals in Mysuru district—Nanjangud, Heggadadevanakote, Hunsur, Periyapatna, and KR Nagar. In neighbouring Chamarajanagar district, the project will include Chamarajanagar District Hospital along with taluk hospitals in Kollegala, Yelandur, and Gundlupet.
The government issued the approval order on Friday, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance trauma care services across the region.
Project to be Implemented Under National Programme
The upgrades will be implemented under the National Trauma and Burn Care Management Programme. Through this initiative, the government plans to strengthen trauma care services by improving emergency response capabilities and expanding critical care infrastructure.
The project will focus on equipping hospitals with advanced medical equipment and strengthening ambulance services to ensure faster response during emergencies.
₹10 Crore Allocation for Equipment and Ambulances
To support the upgrade, the state government has allocated ₹10 crore for the procurement of essential medical equipment and ambulances. The funding will cover the purchase of 13 ambulances, including two Advanced Life Support (ALS) units and 11 Basic Life Support (BLS) units.
Authorities have granted conditional approval to invite tenders under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act after finalising the equipment list.
Modern Equipment to Strengthen Trauma Care
The approved equipment list includes several advanced diagnostic and surgical systems designed to improve trauma care services. These include image intensifiers (C-Arm), trolley-mounted 3D ultrasonography units, 500 mA X-ray machines with darkroom facilities, and 100 mA portable X-ray machines.
In addition, operation theatres will receive upgrades such as four-section orthopaedic OT tables, shadowless ceiling lights, and anaesthesia machines equipped with six- to eight-channel monitors.
Hospitals will also receive mono and bipolar cautery machines, high-vacuum suction units, pneumatic tourniquets, and comprehensive surgical and orthopaedic instrument sets. Other equipment includes power drills and saws, splints and traction systems, patient-warming devices, and rehabilitation training kits.
Improved Access to Emergency Care in Rural Areas
Health department officials noted that strengthening trauma care facilities at taluk hospitals will significantly benefit rural communities. At present, many patients must travel long distances to district hospitals for advanced emergency treatment.
Given the extensive network of state and national highways across the two districts, accident cases have been steadily increasing. By upgrading local hospitals, authorities aim to provide quicker medical intervention and reduce pressure on district-level facilities.
ALS Ambulance to Strengthen Emergency Response
Chamarajanagar District Health Officer Dr. S. Chidambara emphasised that the upgrade will enable taluk hospitals to treat accident victims and emergency cases locally.
He also highlighted the importance of new equipment in managing trauma cases effectively. In addition, he stated that the government has assured the provision of additional human resources in the next phase of the programme.
“Currently, an Advanced Life Support ambulance is not available in Chamarajanagar district. The addition of an ALS unit will be extremely helpful in handling critical emergencies,” he said.
Overall, the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen trauma care services in the region while improving access to timely emergency treatment for residents of both districts.