‘Road mishaps leading cause of trauma’
LUCKNOW: Doctors and medical staff of the department of trauma surgery at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) observed World Trauma Day on Tuesday. They shared with people the reasons behind the increasing rate of accidents and injuries that cause death and disability.
“Trauma means injury to the body, and among all other causes, road traffic accident (RTA) is the leading cause of trauma across the world,” said Prof Sandip Tiwari, head, trauma surgery department.
A team of doctors demonstrated on KGMU campus how injuries were caused and also how the injured could be taken care of. “Many injuries can lead to temporary or permanent disability. Others may even cause death. Every year, about 5 million people worldwide die from injuries. In India alone, it is estimated that injuries result in one million people dying and 20 million getting hospitalised, every year,” he said.
According to the national crime records bureau (NCRB), about 1,37,000 people in the country died in road accidents in 2013. The burden of disease due to trauma is rising at an alarming rate. It not only increases morbidity and mortality rate, but also affects national productivity, as younger population is primarily involved in accidents.
“Road designing plays a vital role in preventing trauma. But injuries due to trauma can’t be reduced only through that. Every citizen should act responsibly,” said Prof Tiwari.