*SUKKUR (Report Kashif Ali phulpoto):* On the occasion of World Trauma Day, the Trauma and Emergency Response Centre (T&ERC), Sukkur, organised a public awareness walk and ceremony to raise awareness among citizens about accident prevention, compliance with traffic laws, immediate medical assistance in emergencies, and the protection of precious human lives. The event also featured a flag-hoisting ceremony, awareness activities, and a special session.
The ceremony was attended by Sukkur Division Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi, Deputy Commissioner Sukkur Nadir Shehzad Khan, Trauma Centre Director Mahmood Qureshi, Trauma Centre Faculty In-charge Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Soomro, Medical Superintendent of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital Sukkur Ahmed Mujtaba Memon, Principal of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Professor Dr. Saleh Muhammad Channa, SSP Motorway Sector Sukkur Shafiq-ur-Rehman, representatives of civil society, and faculty members, doctors, and staff of the medical college and trauma centre. The speakers highlighted the significance of World Trauma Day and the need for collective efforts to prevent accidents.
On the occasion, Trauma Centre Faculty In-charge Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Soomro stated that approximately 1,570 accident victims had received medical treatment during the first two months following the establishment of the trauma centre in Sukkur, while more than 150 surgical operations had also been performed. He said the trauma centre is part of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, where accident victims are provided with treatment, surgical procedures, and other essential medical facilities free of charge.
He explained that the trauma centre has a capacity of 50 beds and is equipped with four ventilators, recovery rooms, three operating theatres, separate wards for men and women, a triage system, ultrasound and CT scan facilities, and other modern medical equipment. Specialists from various medical fields are also providing treatment to patients.
Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Soomro said the primary objective of observing World Trauma Day is to raise public awareness about accident prevention and emergency medical care. He stressed that trauma centre facilities should be available in every district and major government hospital so that accident victims can receive timely treatment. He further stated that a seven-day training workshop was also being organised at the trauma centre to enhance the capabilities of medical staff and familiarise them with standard treatment protocols. Specialists from various medical fields would participate in the workshop.
Addressing the ceremony, Sukkur Division Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi said it was essential to convey the message of road safety to the public, particularly labourers, drivers, and citizens, as compliance with traffic laws could prevent a large number of accidents. He urged motorists to observe prescribed speed limits, ensure vehicle fitness, keep vehicles with defective brakes off the roads, avoid wrong-way driving and overspeeding, and ensure that motorcyclists wear helmets while vehicle occupants use seat belts.
He said making safety measures part of daily life would not only reduce accidents but also ease the burden on trauma centres. In the event of an accident, he advised citizens to contact Rescue Service 1122 immediately and ensure that the injured person was taken to a suitable nearby medical facility. He added that the government was striving to improve healthcare facilities within available resources and that the relevant authorities would also be approached regarding the needs of the trauma centre.
SSP Motorway Sector Sukkur Shafiq-ur-Rehman said accident prevention begins at home, in neighbourhoods, and throughout society. He urged parents not to allow underage children to drive motorcycles or cars without valid driving licences. He said many precious lives could be saved through the use of proper lights and reflectors on motorcycles, compliance with speed limits, and avoidance of reckless driving. He emphasised that the public and relevant institutions must share responsibility for ensuring compliance with traffic laws.
Deputy Commissioner Sukkur Nadir Shehzad Khan appreciated the services of the trauma centre, describing it as an important healthcare facility for Sukkur city, the district, and the entire region. He said the medical staff was playing a vital role in saving the lives of critically injured accident victims. He noted that trauma patients often arrive at hospitals in severe pain and under considerable mental stress. Therefore, medical staff should understand their condition and treat them with patience, compassion, and professional responsibility. He expressed hope that the staff would continue serving with the same dedication and that the institution’s performance would be further improved.
Trauma Centre In-charge Mahmood Qureshi stated that initial observations indicated that approximately 60 per cent of patients arriving at the centre were victims of road traffic accidents. He said effective enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness could significantly reduce such incidents. He emphasised that the first hour after an accident is extremely critical, particularly in cases of severe bleeding or serious injuries, as immediate medical assistance can play a decisive role in saving a patient’s life. He also stressed the need to continue community-level training and awareness activities in collaboration with Motorway Police and other relevant institutions.
Principal of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Professor Dr. Saleh Muhammad Channa said doctors, house officers, postgraduate trainee doctors, and paramedical staff must receive appropriate training to provide immediate medical assistance to trauma patients. He explained that treatment priorities should be determined according to the patient’s condition so that those in the most critical state receive immediate attention. He added that the public should also be educated about the circumstances in which a patient needs to be taken to a trauma centre and when routine medical examination or consultation with a relevant department would be more appropriate.
Medical Superintendent of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital Sukkur Ahmed Mujtaba Memon said it was essential to transport people injured in accidents, explosions, building collapses, and other emergencies to hospitals without delay. Appropriate medical assistance during the first hour could prove vital in saving lives. He stressed that special care must be taken to protect the head and spine while moving injured individuals, as unnecessary movement could worsen their condition.
He said the activation of the trauma centre in Sukkur had enabled residents of the region to access timely surgery and other essential treatments. The centre provides various medical services, including orthopaedic and general surgery, and is equipped with modern medical equipment and intensive care facilities. He urged citizens to ensure that accident victims were transported to the nearest trauma centre as quickly as possible and that basic first-aid principles were followed.
The speakers expressed their resolve to continue efforts to reduce accidents and protect precious human lives through public awareness, compliance with traffic laws, training of medical staff, and stronger coordination among relevant institutions.