A pragmatic evaluation of trauma care: an evidence from the province of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Road Traffic Accident (RTA) injuries pose a public health challenge which significantly impacts the human capital development. The Punjab Economic Research Institute (PERI) conducted a study to assess the frequency, causes of trauma injuries, distribution and need and gap analysis of trauma centers in the province of Punjab. For gap/situational analysis, information was extracted through a structured questionnaire from randomly selected 8 District Head Quarters hospitals, 6 Teaching hospitals and 8 independent trauma centers. According to the data of Rescue 1122, 70% of RTA injuries involved the age group 11-40 years. In 295589(63.26%) of the RTA cases the vehicle involved was a motorbike. The major RTA injuries were leg fractures 71699 (16.44%) and head injuries 44738(10.26%). Over speeding 159977(44%) and careless driving 121545 (33.35%) were the major causes of RTAs. Noted was a shortage and mismatch between human resources and equipment in the trauma treatment facilities. Inequality was also found in distribution of trauma care units. Integrated and fully equipped trauma care system along with the establishment of trauma centers in places of high accidents' frequency is recommended. Strict implementation of road traffic safety laws is mandatory.