It is disheartening to note that the emergency unit of the country's prime hospital for accident victims, National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor), is suffering due to mismanagement and inadequate staff. As a result, critically injured patients are badly suffering from lack of proper emergency treatment. 

Each day around 120 to 180 patients rush to the emergency unit. But it has only 30 beds, most of which remain occupied most of the time. The unit is also understaffed. The patients suffer due to the long queues in the operation theatre. Due to lack of space the injured patients have to wait in front of the operation theatre risking infection. The situation is made worse as a syndicate of unscrupulous staff, with the help of local brokers, exploit the insufficiency of the unit. They make quick bucks by manipulating serial numbers for surgery and delivery of test results. They also charge extra money to admit patients in the emergency ward. 

The most perplexing aspect is the lackadaisical attitude of the hospital authority towards these irregularities. When asked about it by this paper they replied that they could not take action against anyone as they did not get any written complain from the patients. The authorities must take a proactive approach and investigate the irregularities. They can make best use of existing resources and manpower by bringing discipline to the unit. The government should also allocate sufficient funds to make the emergency unit adequately staffed and well-equipped.