KARACHI, October 17, 2026: The Emergency Department of the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT), Karachi, received 1,448,624 patients over the past 10 years, including 328,841 victims of road traffic accidents. During the same period, 9,634 firearm injury cases were reported, while 5,045 people were brought to the hospital dead.
These figures were presented at the closing ceremony of Trauma Awareness Week 2026 and World Trauma Day, held at Muin Auditorium, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi.
Dr. Muhammad Sabir Memon, Executive Director of SMBB Institute of Trauma, presented a detailed overview of the institution’s performance and achievements since 2016, highlighting its role in providing emergency trauma care, surgical services and treatment for critically injured patients.
The figures underscored the substantial burden of road traffic accidents and firearm injuries on emergency healthcare services, as well as the importance of timely medical intervention in saving lives.
The ceremony was attended by Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, Member of the National Assembly Dr. Nafisa Shah, Secretary of Information Dr. Kashif Gulzar Sheikh, former DUHS Vice Chancellor Professor Saeed Qureshi and current Vice Chancellor Professor Nazli Hussain, among other prominent figures from the healthcare, education and public sectors.
An academic session on the use of artificial intelligence in trauma surgery was also held during the event. Dr. Divya Kevalramani delivered an online presentation exploring the potential role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in trauma surgery.
Speakers stressed the need to strengthen road safety measures and promote public awareness to prevent accidents and protect human lives. They emphasised compliance with traffic laws, avoiding overspeeding and refraining from mobile phone use while driving. The use of helmets by motorcyclists and seat belts by vehicle occupants was also highlighted as essential to reducing fatalities and serious injuries.
Participants further stressed that accident prevention was a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts by the government, traffic police, healthcare institutions, rescue services, educational institutions, the media and the general public.
The closing ceremony highlighted the importance of preventive measures, timely emergency medical care and institutional collaboration in reducing the human toll of road traffic accidents and other traumatic injuries.