Road accident, violent crime cases overwhelm Sindh's emergency services
54,405 women, 38,249 minors among 175,908 patients treated at SMBBIT in 2024 By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: The Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT) in Karachi and its associated trauma and emergency response centre in Larkana collectively treated an average of 261 cases per day, comprising 240 road traffic accidents (RTA), nine gunshot wounds, and 12 assault cases, accounting for nearly 40% of total emergency patients they registered daily, according to the institute’s data of 2024. Quarters concerned note that this trend is a stark reflection of the broader societal issues plaguing the Sindh province. “The alarming rise in road traffic accidents and violent crimes is a clear indication of the inadequacy of traffic infrastructure and enforcement, as well as the ineffectiveness of government initiatives to improve road safety,” they say. Furthermore, the growing intolerance among individuals is seen as a major contributor to the surge in violent crimes, ultima...