Second such facility after AIIMS, Delhi; Project pending for 11 years finally gets green light
Bengaluru:
In a landmark decision set to transform trauma care in Karnataka, the Central government has approved a ₹498 crore proposal to establish a 300-bed Polytrauma Centre and Postgraduate Institute at Kyalasanahalli in Bengaluru North, within the north campus of NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences). The long-pending project, in limbo for over a decade, has now received formal sanction via a letter from the Union Ministry of Finance dated June 27.
The move comes after consistent efforts by Bengaluru Rural MP Dr. C.N. Manjunath, who highlighted the urgency of enhancing trauma care facilities in the rapidly growing city.
Comprehensive Trauma Care for Bengaluru
The proposed Polytrauma Centre is aimed at delivering rapid, integrated treatment to patients with complex injuries involving the brain, chest, abdomen, and limbs. With Bengaluru grappling with traffic congestion and delayed emergency response times, the centre is expected to significantly improve “Golden Hour” care, which is crucial for accident survival and recovery.
“About 15% of deaths in India are due to road accidents, and 30% of victims suffer multiple injuries. A dedicated trauma facility can be life-saving,” said Dr. Manjunath, speaking to The Hindu.
Postgraduate Institute for Trauma Specialists
Alongside trauma services, the project includes a Postgraduate Training Institute, which will focus on developing trauma care specialists—meeting a critical gap in India’s healthcare workforce. This dual facility will make it only the second polytrauma centre in India, following the Jayaprakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Response to Overburdened NIMHANS
NIMHANS has seen a massive surge in patient load—from 250 outpatients a day to over 2,500. Due to lack of dedicated trauma care and overcrowding, many critical cases are often shifted to other hospitals, with some patients dying in transit.
“The new facility will address space constraints and eliminate the need for transferring critical patients elsewhere,” Dr. Manjunath said.
Guided by NITI Aayog Recommendations
The sanction letter stipulates that the Union Health Ministry must ensure optimal use of resources—aligned with NITI Aayog’s 2021 report on “Emergency and Injury Care at Secondary and Tertiary Level Centres in India.” The centre will serve both emergency and regular patients to maximise utility and accessibility.
Land Allocated, Construction Timeline Set
The Karnataka government had already allocated 37 acres for the project. Although the proposal passed several institutional reviews, final approval had been delayed for over 11 years. Now, with the Centre’s nod, construction is expected to be completed in 30 months, marking a pivotal expansion of trauma and emergency healthcare in southern India.
This development signals renewed attention from the Union government to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure in regional hubs, bridging critical gaps in high-impact medical services.
