Thiruvananthapuram: The Emergency Medicine Department at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital has been selected by the central government as a Centre of Excellence. It is one of five medical colleges chosen by NITI Aayog and ICMR for a study on emergency care in India. As a result, the hospital will receive Rs 2 crore annually. This marks a historic achievement, as it is the first medical college in Kerala to attain this status.
Previously, the SAT Hospital at the same institution was designated a Centre of Excellence for rare diseases. With both the medical college and SAT Hospital now holding Centre of Excellence status, the institutions are being recognized for their high standards in specialized healthcare.
The emergency department at the medical college began operations in 2021, replacing an outdated, cramped facility where patients often waited for hours in poor conditions. The new emergency unit operates in a recently renovated building with modern equipment and a scientific triage system. Key features include a chest pain clinic, stroke hotline, advanced diagnostic facilities, and a patient-friendly environment. The department also introduced specialized fellowship programs and increased the number of senior doctors for enhanced care.
The emergency department has received commendations from representatives of AIIMS and the World Health Organization. Furthermore, three postgraduate seats in emergency medicine have been approved, and a special block with 100 ICU beds and SPECT scan facilities has been established. Plans are underway to install a PET scan for advanced diagnostic purposes.
