Collaborative Efforts Needed to Enhance Critical Care in UP

Efforts to enhance critical care in Uttar Pradesh (UP) must involve both government and private sectors, according to Amit Kumar Ghosh, the Additional Chief Secretary for Medical Health and Medical Education. Speaking at the National Conference of Nursing Emergency, Critical Care and Trauma Allied Responder (NECTAR) on March 15, 2024, Ghosh emphasized that improving the critical care system in the state cannot rely solely on government directives.

Ghosh outlined the necessity of forming partnerships among various stakeholders, including private and government medical colleges, leading hospitals, and emergency care providers. He noted that discussions on these matters are already taking place at the policy level. “Timely treatment is crucial for saving lives,” he stated, highlighting the role of organizations like SACTEM in ensuring effective emergency responses.

The challenges facing UP’s critical care system are significant. Ghosh identified urgent questions surrounding pre-hospital care, such as the quality of treatment patients receive while in transit and the delays in reaching trauma centers. He pointed out that many patients endure prolonged waits in ambulances, particularly those arriving from surrounding districts. Despite having 81 medical colleges—41 government and 40 private—spread across 60 districts, 15 districts in UP lack adequate intensive care facilities.

Ghosh raised concerns about the availability of care during emergencies, particularly in rural areas. “When emergencies occur in villages, what care will be available and when will first responders arrive?” he queried, underscoring the need for comprehensive policy discussions. He called for regular training of paramedical staff and greater collaboration with private intensive care providers to address these challenges.

Need for Regulatory Oversight and Training

General Administration Secretary Zuhair Bin Sagir proposed the establishment of a dedicated nursing regulatory body to oversee paramedic training and performance. He suggested creating a central portal for sharing critical care information, which would include real-time updates for families during road accidents. This initiative aims to improve communication and coordination in emergencies.

Dr. Mustahsin Malik, Head of Critical Care at Era University, stressed the importance of training ambulance staff to ensure that patients are transported to appropriate hospitals within the critical “golden hour” following an injury. This timeframe is vital for improving survival rates and outcomes for trauma patients.

Dr. Ali Khan, the university’s Additional Director, emphasized that paramedics should be empowered to provide care even in the absence of doctors. He noted that even small-scale technological advancements could significantly enhance medical care delivery.

During the conference, Dr. Lokendra Gupta, President of SACTEM, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar Goriya shared insights on strategies to strengthen the paramedic workforce. Their suggestions highlighted the importance of adequately equipping and training personnel to respond effectively in emergencies.

As Uttar Pradesh navigates the complexities of its healthcare landscape, collaboration between the government and private sectors appears essential for building a robust and responsive critical care system. The outcomes of these discussions and initiatives could play a pivotal role in improving emergency health services across the state, ultimately saving lives and enhancing patient care.