Delhi govt to spruce up health infrastructure ahead of Games

Delhi government has drawn an elaborate plan for sprucing up health infrastructure in the capital ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year, by setting up a state-of-the-art sports injury centre and inducting more medical professionals.

Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said the city government is in the process of identifying doctors, including sports physicians, physiotherapists and masseurs from various governmental and non-governmental organisations.

For the Commonwealth Games to be held in October 2010, he said the health department of the city government has been identified as the nodal agency.

"A state-of-the-art sports injury centre is being established at Safdurjung Hospital which is likely to be operational by May 2010," he said.

In addition, a polyclinic will be established at the Games Village. At each of the stadia, a medical centre with basic emergency care facilities to provide on-the-spot medical care to athletes, officials and family will be set up.

First aid posts will also be established at venues.

"Appropriate ambulance coverage will be provided to the venues. 150 ambulances are being arranged for the city also, which shall be functional by July 2010," Azad said.

The primary and supplementary response hospitals have been identified for each of the venues to handle any emergency situation, he said.