Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) has launched a new 11-bed burn care unit specifically designed to treat severe burn injuries. This specialized ward, opened just before Diwali—a holiday period associated with increased burn incidents due to fireworks—is located in the JICA building and aims to enhance patient care during this critical time. With its state-of-the-art facilities, this new burns unit is equipped to handle complex cases, particularly those resulting from Diwali-related accidents.
The new facility at CMCH includes 11 intensive care beds alongside 20 general beds designated for burn injury treatment. Around-the-clock care will be provided by plastic and general surgeons, ensuring that patients receive specialized and immediate treatment for serious burns. This dedicated unit forms part of CMCH’s broader strategy to improve emergency response and treatment outcomes for burn patients by ensuring they have access to advanced medical care when needed.
With Diwali approaching, a focused burns unit enables us to treat patients effectively, especially given the rise in fire-related accidentsDr. Ramesh Kumar, senior surgeon at CMCH
A recent press release from CMCH highlighted essential first-aid recommendations for treating burns, as reported in the Times of India. The hospital advises that when burns occur on the hands or feet, any accessories in the affected area should be removed immediately. The burned area should be rinsed with cool water for a minimum of 15 minutes. However, CMCH warns against applying ice directly to burns and discourages the use of home remedies like turmeric or coffee powder, which could aggravate the injuries.
This investment in advanced burn care technology and infrastructure underscores our commitment to patient welfareCMCH hospital spokesperson
Emphasizing the importance of prompt medical treatment, CMCH urges individuals in high-risk groups to seek immediate professional help if they experience burns in sensitive areas such as the face, neck, or hands. Those especially encouraged to consult a healthcare provider include children under five, adults over 60, individuals with underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes or heart issues), and pregnant women.
According to Medical Dialogues, the hospital is set to benefit from an initiative under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Burn Injuries, with CMCH among three government-run medical colleges selected to establish high-tech burn care units in the coming year. CMCH received funding of Rs. 1.24 crore for constructing a dedicated block equipped with advanced equipment and technology for specialized burn treatment. This grant marks a significant investment aimed at elevating CMCH’s capacity to treat burn injuries with enhanced infrastructure and dedicated resources.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a senior surgeon at CMCH, emphasized the need for specialized burn care units, stating, "With Diwali approaching, a focused burns unit enables us to treat patients effectively, especially given the rise in fire-related accidents." CMCH's new burn unit reflects a proactive approach to tackling the anticipated increase in burn cases, particularly during festival times when incidents are more common.
A hospital spokesperson added, "This investment in advanced burn care technology and infrastructure underscores our commitment to patient welfare, particularly for vulnerable groups in burn injury cases." CMCH continues to work closely with the National Programme to ensure that its facilities and resources are equipped to handle both routine and emergency burn cases in Coimbatore and surrounding regions.