The golden hour slips by as patients travel for 45 km to Nandyal for emergency care, increasing the risk of death
Kurnool: People injured in road accidents on National Highway 40 near Allagadda have to travel nearly 45 kilometres to Nandyal for trauma care, resulting in precious time of the “golden hour” slipping away without treatment.
Medical experts say many lives could be saved if immediate trauma care is available locally. Despite repeated appeals from people and promises of the powers-that-be, no trauma care centre has been established yet in Allagadda.
National Highway 40 runs for nearly 50 kilometres through the Allagadda constituency, starting from Chagalamarri in Nandyal district. This stretch witnesses frequent accidents, and emergency care is a serious concern.
In several cases, by the time emergency vehicles reach the accident site and shift the victims to Nandyal, the golden hour—a crucial window for saving lives—is lost.
No doubt injured victims are initially provided first aid at nearby government hospitals in Allagadda and Chagalamarri. However, lack of specialised trauma facilities means they are often shifted to GGH in Nandyal for better treatment, leading to delays, which turn fatal in cases of serious accidents. It typically takes up to two hours to reach Nandyal from remote parts of the highway, well beyond the ideal treatment window.
According to official data, there have been 274 accidents reported on this stretch of NH 40 in the past year, resulting in 290 deaths and 750 injuries. The alarming figures underscore the urgent need for a fully-equipped trauma care centre in Allagadda.
Health professionals say setting up such a facility could drastically improve survival rates by ensuring life-saving treatment.
"State government must prioritise setting up of a trauma centre in Allagadda. This corridor of the highway is quite busy and there are frequent accidents. The trauma centre could play a vital role in reducing fatalities and saving lives,” said a senior doctor from the town.
He disclosed that they face a tough time whenever a serious victim is brought in.
