A modern 259-bed trauma centre at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, is set to start functioning in August, aiming to strengthen the city’s overburdened emergency services.
GMCH Medical Superintendent Dr. GP Thami said that while construction is complete, medical equipment installation is still in progress. The hospital has proposed to inaugurate the trauma centre during GMCH’s 11th convocation, scheduled for August 2, with the chief guest yet to be finalized.
Originally approved in 2019 with a planned completion in 18 months, the project faced delays due to the Covid pandemic. The need for the trauma centre became urgent as the existing emergency block was stretched beyond capacity. The new facility will ease overcrowding and free up space in the emergency block for other departments.
Once operational, GMCH will have two dedicated trauma centres—the other being at PGIMER—improving the region’s ability to handle critical emergencies.
Currently, GMCH has about 150 emergency and trauma beds combined, which often fall short during busy hours, forcing patients to be treated in crowded corridors. The new trauma centre is expected to greatly improve patient care and reduce response times.
The late Dr. BS Chavan, former GMCH director, had secured Rs 52 crore for expanding the hospital to separate trauma care from general emergency services.
The convocation, originally postponed due to India-Pakistan tensions, will also award degrees in medicine, nursing, paramedical sciences, and allied fields. Union Health Minister JP Nadda was initially expected to attend, followed by Minister of State Anupriya Patel as guest of honour.
Additionally, hospital officials are exploring using the freed-up space in the main building to expand the Gynaecology Department, which currently faces a shortage of beds.
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