T’puram: With state’s proposed trauma care unit yet to take off a year after its announcement, Attingal municipality is planning to start an emergency department and laboratory in the partially completed building at Valiyakunnu taluk hospital as an interim measure.“We cannot wait indefinitely for the trauma care project while patients continue to suffer due to lack of emergency facilities. It has been a year since the announcement, but there has been no visible progress. The step taken by municipality is only an interim arrangement, but it will help reduce the burden on patients who currently have to depend on distant hospitals,” said municipal chairperson M Pradeep. The construction of the new hospital block itself has been delayed for over five years due to lack of coordination among various departments. Pending works, including electrical installations, continue to hold up full completion. Once completed, the building is expected to accommodate expanded emergency services, along with lab and X-ray units. Plans for a multistorey OP block have also been proposed but remain on paper.
