Excelsior Correspondent
CHANDIGARH, May 31: India has recorded the highest number of road traffic deaths globally, with over 1.5 lakh fatalities and 4.5 lakh injuries in 2022, many involving serious vascular trauma.
This was revealed during a press conference held at Park Hospital, Mohali, on Saturday.
Dr HS Bedi, Director of Cardiovascular, Endovascular and Vascular Surgery, said that India reports 19 deaths every hour due to road accidents, with most victims in the 25 to 35 yrs age group.
He said motorcyclists were especially vulnerable to vascular injuries, as 91.4 percent of accident victims on two-wheelers were riding motorcycles.
“High-speed crashes and lack of protection for limbs make these riders prone to serious vascular trauma,” he added.
Dr Vimal Vibhakar, Senior Consultant General Surgery and Medical Director, said while the world saw a 5% decline in road accidents over the last 12 years, India witnessed a 15.3% increase.
He stressed the importance of the ‘golden hour’—the first 60 minutes after an accident—when timely treatment can save lives and limbs.
He pointed out that prompt restoration of blood flow in case of vascular injury is crucial. “Delays can lead to permanent loss of limbs,” he said.
Park Hospital, Mohali is emerging as a key centre for vascular trauma treatment in North India.
According to Ashish Chadha, Group North CEO, the hospital is now empanelled with ECHS, CGHS, ESI, and both the Haryana and Himachal Pradesh Governments.
The facility is fully equipped for cardiovascular and vascular surgeries and is also tied up with major TPAs and corporates.
Doctors advised citizens to follow road safety rules, maintain vehicle speed, use seat belts, install airbags and anti-skid brakes, and ensure proper visibility features like rear reflectors to reduce road accident risks.
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