ICMR Launches Project to Revolutionise Emergency Care in Puri

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated a groundbreaking project to transform emergency healthcare services in Odisha’s Puri. As part of a nationwide initiative, the project aims to establish a world-class, patient-centric emergency care system.

Puri, along with Ludhiana, Vidisha, Vadodara, and Pondicherry, has been selected as a pilot site for this ambitious endeavour. The project seeks to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the overall healthcare infrastructure.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the ICMR and the Odisha government, is at the forefront of implementing this project in the state. Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, emphasized the project’s focus on improving ambulance services, training first responders, and raising community awareness about emergency care.

The project will address seven critical emergencies: heart attacks, strokes, trauma, snakebites, poisoning, respiratory distress, and maternal and neonatal emergencies. By integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and information technology, the project aims to optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response.

A national-level consultation meeting held at AIIMS Bhubaneswar brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening emergency care across India. Dr. Biswas unveiled the INDIA EMS Vision Document and training manuals, outlining the project’s roadmap.

The Odisha government, represented by Director of Health Services Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra and Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, expressed strong support for the project and highlighted its potential to improve healthcare delivery across the state.

A dedicated research team led by Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh at AIIMS Bhubaneswar will work closely with the state government to implement this transformative project.