Gurugram | Special Correspondent: Saurabh Bhatnagar

With hundreds of lives lost every day in road accidents across India, timely access to specialist care often becomes the decisive factor between life and death. In many cases, patients reach hospitals on time but succumb due to the non-availability of expert intervention. Addressing this critical gap, Medanta – The Medicity has launched a 24×7 Chest Trauma Support Service for North India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s emergency healthcare landscape.


The free-of-cost service is designed to connect doctors at primary and secondary healthcare facilities directly with senior chest surgeons at Medanta, enabling swift and informed decision-making in complex chest trauma cases.


A Lifeline for Frontline Doctors
The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Arvinder Singh Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta, who will lead a team of experienced specialists providing round-the-clock expert guidance.


Through virtual platforms, on-ground doctors can now instantly share X-rays, CT scans, clinical parameters and treatment plans, ensuring that critical time is not lost during emergencies—often the difference between survival and fatality.


‘Every Life Is Invaluable’ in Action
Highlighting the philosophy behind the initiative, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, said:
“Medanta houses India’s largest and most advanced Institute of Chest Surgery. This initiative translates our core belief—‘Every Life Is Invaluable’—into actionable support for healthcare providers across regions lacking specialist access.”


Young Population Most at Risk
Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death among Indians aged 15 to 45 years.
10–15% of all trauma admissions involve chest trauma
In poly-trauma cases, the figure rises to nearly 70%
Acute shortage of trained specialists and trauma centers outside metropolitan cities continues to hamper outcomes
Chest trauma poses unique challenges as it can simultaneously affect lungs, heart, trachea, esophagus and major blood vessels, demanding precise and timely management.


Standardised Care and Safe Referrals
Key features of the service include:
Expert guidance on standard chest tube insertion
Reduced complications through timely intervention
Safe, supervised and seamless referral of critical patients to Medanta, when advanced care is required
Training, Research and National Registry


As part of the initiative, Medanta will also:
Conduct training programmes, webinars and workshops for doctors
Establish a dedicated Chest Trauma Registry
Use data-driven insights to strengthen trauma care systems at a national level


North India First, Nationwide Vision
The service has been rolled out initially in Haryana, Punjab and Western Uttar Pradesh, with plans for gradual expansion across other regions of the country.


Dr. Arvinder Singh Kumar summed up the vision, stating:
“Our aim is to empower frontline doctors with immediate expert support, enhance confidence in managing complex chest trauma cases, and significantly improve survival outcomes.”


Blending modern technology, medical expertise and a humane approach,
this initiative is poised to redefine emergency chest trauma care in North India—
setting a benchmark for the nation’s healthcare system.