KARACHI: Emphasising the need for accident prevention and prompt emergency response, experts representing the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (SMBB) Institute of Trauma said that the facility recorded over 328,000 cases of road traffic injuries and over 5,000 brought-dead cases in a decade.

The programme organised at the Dow University of Health Sciences on Saturday marked the conclusion of a series of events held in connection with Trauma Awareness Week 2026 and World Trauma Day.

During the event, speakers focused on injury prevention, protection of human lives, advancements in trauma care, and the 10-year journey of service and achievements of SMBB Institute of Trauma.

They emphasised that although timely medical intervention was essential to saving the lives of trauma patients, preventing accidents before they occurred was equally important.

Promoting road safety, complying with traffic laws, avoiding speeding, refraining from mobile phone use while driving, wearing helmets and seat belts, and practising responsible driving were identified as fundamental measures for protecting the public.

“Trauma care depends not only on modern medical facilities but also on rapid emergency response, skilled healthcare professionals, coordinated teamwork, effective administrative systems and timely patient management,” Dr Muhammad Sabir Memon heading the trauma institute said, while explaining how the facility had improved its emergency services and patient care since 2016.

According to him, the institute’s emergency department recorded a total of 1,448,624 patient visits in a decade. Of these, 328,841 cases were related to road traffic accidents.

A total of 5,045 patients were brought to the institute dead, while 9,634 cases involving firearm injuries were reported over the same period.

“These figures underscore the devastating human impact of accidents, violence and other serious injuries, as well as the critical importance of timely emergency medical intervention,” he noted.

Participants stressed that preventing road traffic accidents required a collective commitment from the government, healthcare institutions, traffic police, rescue services, educational institutions, the media and the general public.

Public awareness campaigns were described as essential to reducing avoidable loss of life and disabilities resulting from road traffic accidents and other traumatic injuries.

The event also highlighted the importance of cooperation among public-sector institutions and healthcare professionals in strengthening emergency response systems, advancing medical training and promoting a culture of prevention throughout society.

Dr Divya Kevalramani delivered an online session on AI in trauma surgery, exploring the potential role of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in trauma surgery.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2026