Puducherry Lt Guv: Trauma a 'Social Emergency,' Not Just Medical

• Puducherry Lt Governor K Kailashnathan declared trauma care a "social emergency" requiring a holistic, system-based response.
• Speaking at the International Summit on Advanced Trauma Care 2026, he noted trauma is a leading cause of death and disability globally, surpassing many infectious diseases.
• India's trauma burden is alarming, accounting for 10-11% of global road traffic deaths despite having only 1% of the world's vehicles, with 4.5 lakh accidents annually.
• Kailashnathan emphasized compulsory Basic Life Support (BLS) in schools/colleges and Advanced Trauma Life Support in MBBS programs to create potential lifesavers.
• Puducherry, a tourist hub, faces high road accident rates, with 1,445 accidents, 216 deaths, and 1,500 injuries in 2024; JIPMER proposes a Rs 1,100 crore dedicated Trauma Centre.