Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Right to Health
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To study the existing Emergency Medical Care System (EMS).
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To study the existing system of emergency medical care (Central Accident & Trauma
Services [CATS]) set up by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in the National
Capital Territory of Delhi.
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To suggest appropriate models of emergency medical care which should be developed
by different States/Union Territories and also their essential components.
7.5 In the wake of Upahar tragedy, the Commission felt that the constitution of such a group
would lead to concrete recommendations to address this issue which could then be sent to policy
makers in the Government.
7.6 The Group of Experts deliberated on various facets of emergency medical care and
submitted a report on 7-04-2004. It reviewed the existing scenario and Centralized Accident
and Trauma Services (CATS). In its report, the Group stated that nearly 4,00,000 persons
loose their lives every year due to injuries caused by accidents, nearly 75,00,000 persons
are hospitalized and 3,50,00,000 persons with minor injuries receive emergency care at
various places in India. The present EMS in the country is functioning sub-optimally and
requires up-gradation. The report revealed various lacunae existing in the present
EMS and made a number of recommendations for implementation on short and
long term basis. These include enunciation of a National Accident Policy, establishment
of Centralized Accident and Trauma Services in all districts of all States/Union
Territories etc.
7.7 While pointing out a number of deficiencies in the existing Emergency Medical Care System
(EMS) of the country, it has suggested a number of short-term as well as long-term measures to
address the lacunae.
7.8 Short-term measures to be undertaken within one year:
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Need to enunciate a National Accident Policy.
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Establish a central coordinating, facilitating, monitoring and controlling committee for EMS
under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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Designate 3-4 districts for attachment to Medical colleges, which will act as referral centres
in each state and Union Territories.
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Need for establishment of Centralized Accident and Trauma Services in all districts of all
the States and Union Territories in the country.
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