Medical services at AIIMS Delhi remained crippled for the second consecutive day on Saturday (June 29), amid authorities intensifying efforts to normalize the operations at the medical facility, which was affected by the heavy downpour in the national capital on Friday. According to the updated information available, dozens of surgeries remained stalled and emergency admissions were severely impacted at AIIMS Trauma Center after heavy rain inundated its departments and operation theatres on Friday.
Present Situation
According to the information available, due to waterlogging, the AIIMS Trauma Center remain severely impacted, leaving it non-operational and currently, no patients are being treated there. However, amid the difficulties, the AIIMS administration has assured that they will provide updates as soon as surgeries can resume.
In a statement released, AIIMS Media Procol In-Charge, Rima Dada said "After heavy rain yesterday, there was severe waterlogging in parts of the AIIMS hospital especially in the basement of Trauma Centre where heavy generators and other equipment are present. We had to stop OT after that but 4 life threatening surgeries were performed. Director and Additional Director took stock of the situation but due to power cut by NDMC, our Operatoin Theatres were shut till 4 PM. After power was restored, we started the OTs and surgeries wereperformed all night...The work to clear waterlogging is underway, but the OT of AIIMS Trauma is yet to start. We will start OTs once our Electical Engineers will give a green signal, we will start the OT..."
Patients referred to Safdarjung hospital
Significantly, in wake of the present scenario, the hospital administration has earlier issued an order directing patients requiring emergency surgeries to Safdarjung or other government hospitals. The order states: "In discussion with NS OT Sister in-charge, MS (CNC), and the chief CN Centre, all OTs are non-functional due to non-functioning air-conditioning and water seepage from the walls. Hence, no cases can be operated. Any patients coming to emergency requiring surgery should be referred to either Safdarjung or any other government hospital. If there is a case that must be done urgently, it may be taken up in the trauma center after discussing with the concerned faculty."
Heavy rain lashes Delhi
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that the heavy rain on Friday not only affected AIIMS but also brought severe waterlogging throughout Delhi, causing significant difficulties for citizens. Many parts of the city were inundated, making it challenging for commuters to walk or drive. Shocking visuals from across the city show rescue efforts being carried out by officials to evacuate people stranded due to the widespread waterlogging.
(With inputs from Anamika)
READ MORE | Amid waterlogging crisis in capital city after rains, Delhi LG holds emergency meet, cancels officials' leave
READ MORE | Ground Report: Delhi's first rain...conditions become deadly
