SaveLIFE Foundation and Škoda Auto India strengthen trauma care in Assam to reduce road crash fatalities

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 29, 2025

In a major step towards improving emergency medical response and reducing road crash fatalities, SaveLIFE Foundation, in partnership with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, has enhanced trauma care facilities at Sonapur District Hospital in Assam’s Kamrup Metro district. This initiative is part of the Zero Fatality Corridor program, which aims to transform high-risk highways into safer routes through crash data analysis, improved emergency care, and community engagement.

As part of this effort, a special event was held at District Hospital, Sonapur, on March 27, where advanced trauma care equipment was handed over to upgrade the facility into a trauma stabilization centre. This upgrade will ensure that accident victims receive critical emergency care, including resuscitation and stabilization before being referred to advanced medical centres.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Dr. Uday Shankar Medhi, Joint Director of Health Services, Kamrup Metropolitan District; Dr. Rana Deka, Deputy Superintendent, District Hospital, Sonapur; and representatives from SaveLIFE Foundation.

Dr. Uday Shankar Medhi emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This enhancement will significantly improve the quality of emergency medical care and ensure that trauma patients receive timely stabilization and treatment. We are grateful to the SaveLIFE Foundation for their contribution to improving trauma care in our region. Together, we are working towards a future where road safety and timely medical care reduce preventable fatalities.”

Dr. Rana Deka, Medical Superintendent at District Hospital, Sonapur, highlighted the impact of the upgraded facility: “The improved trauma care infrastructure sets a new benchmark for emergency healthcare in Assam, especially in rural areas. With better response capabilities, we are increasing survival rates in critical cases while empowering healthcare professionals to deliver superior care.”

The newly upgraded trauma stabilization centre now provides essential emergency care, including advanced airway management and breathing support, shock prevention and bleeding control and orthopaedic surgical instruments for fracture management.

These enhancements aim to reduce preventable deaths caused by delayed emergency medical responses, ensuring that patients receive life-saving care before being transferred to higher medical centres.

Speaking on the initiative, Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, said: “This upgrade is a crucial step in strengthening trauma care in Assam. We extend our gratitude to Škoda Auto Volkswagen India for their invaluable support in this vital initiative. Together, we are ensuring faster, more efficient emergency responses, ultimately saving lives and making our roads safer for everyone.”

Through initiatives like the Zero Fatality Corridor programme, SaveLIFE Foundation continues its mission to enhance road safety, emergency medical response, and trauma care infrastructure across India. With this latest development, Assam moves closer to a future where no life is lost due to a lack of timely medical intervention after a road crash.