MLA urges reopening of Baharagora trauma centre

MLA Samir Kumar Mohanty raised important concerns about the Baharagora trauma centre in the state assembly on Thursday. The centre is currently not operational, which is a big issue for highway accident victims. Mohanty pointed out that the centre closed due to a lack of medical staff and lifesaving facilities. He mentioned that serious accidents happen frequently on nearby National Highways 33, 6, and 18. Around three to four fatal accidents occur each month. After the assembly session, Mohanty reported that the health minister assured him the centre would be fully operational soon. Dr. Sahir Pall, the civil surgeon of East Singhbhum, confirmed that the centre had been functioning irregularly because of the shortage of staff. He added that a 108 ambulance is stationed there to help transport critical patients to larger hospitals. In emergencies, teams from the community health centre are sent to assist. The trauma centre was established in 2011, making it the first of its kind in the state. It is located on two acres at Matihana along NH 33 and was inaugurated in 2016. However, the centre has never had a full medical team. It operated for a brief time with temporary staff but closed due to staff shortages. Ajit Kumar Kujur, the SDPO of Ghatsila, noted that crucial time is lost when transporting accident victims to hospitals far away. He mentioned that there are about four fatal accidents monthly along the Baharagora stretch. Currently, patients are taken to hospitals in Jamshedpur or Baripada in Odisha, which delays treatment. The revival of the trauma centre could help improve emergency medical responses and save lives in this accident-prone area. Local authorities and healthcare officials are now looking for action following the health minister’s promise to reopen the facility.