Bhubaneswar: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar observed Road Safety Awareness Month by hosting a media interaction at the Press Club, Bhubaneswar on Friday.
The event brought together medical experts, policymakers, emergency responders, and media professionals to address Odisha’s growing road safety concern. Despite enforcement measures and improved trauma care, road accident fatalities continue to rise in the state. With an accident severity rate of 49.6 per cent—far higher than the national average of 37 per cent—Odisha has recorded 27,167 deaths and 50,041 injuries in 56,831 road accidents over the past five years, as per transport department data.
The event commenced with a light warming ceremony graced by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and Inspector General, Fire and Emergency Services Umashankar Dash. Also present were Dr Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director – South East, Manipal Hospitals; and Kasturi Ray, President of Odisha Women in Media (OWM). The gathering also observed a one-minute silence in condolence to the untimely demise of Bhubaneswar-based senior journalist Sheela Pattnayak, who lost her life in a road accident, leaving behind her 12-year-old son.
Speaking at the press meet, Dr Amit Jaiswal, Director and Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, highlighted that head and spinal injuries remain a leading cause of death and long-term disability in road accidents, emphasizing that consistent helmet use and timely neurosurgical intervention can significantly reduce fatalities. Dr. Pradyut Ranjan Bhuyan, Consultant – Neurology, emphasized the need for early neurological assessment to prevent long-term complications. Dr. Avishek Chatterjee, HOD & Consultant – Emergency Medicine, stressed the importance of the “golden hour,” noting that prompt on-site care, faster ambulance response, and basic first-aid awareness can save lives. Kasturi Ray underscored the media’s critical role in shaping public behaviour through responsible reporting and sustained road safety messaging.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Amitabh Thakur said, “Road Safety Month closely aligns with transport regulation, enforcement, and policy. Stricter compliance, improved infrastructure, and active community participation are crucial to curbing the growing number of road accidents in Bhubaneswar.”
Umashankar Dash highlighted, “Every accident scene demands speed, precision, and preparedness. Strengthening rescue infrastructure, regular training of responders and clear response protocols are key to reducing preventable fatalities on our roads.”
Dr Saktimaya Mohapatra stated, “Road safety is not merely a regulatory concern; it is a public health priority. With rising accident numbers, collaboration among hospitals, emergency services, authorities, and the media is essential to prevent avoidable loss of life and ensure timely, quality care.”
Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar reaffirmed its commitment to promoting road safety awareness, strengthening emergency preparedness, and working closely with media and authorities to foster a safer road culture in the city.
