Athlete or other participants injured during practice or event would be provided the best health facilities as state-of-the-art sports polyclinics are being set up at all Games venues as well as at practice venues.
According to a Delhi government official, the clinics set up at practice venues will become operational on September 15, by when the athletes are likely to begin practicing there. Those at the Games venues will become operational on the day the event starts.
Earlier, chief minister Sheila Dikshit had announced setting up of 40 polyclinics in the city for Games.
A team of around 500 doctors and 200 para-medical staff are being given special training. The doctors have been picked up from various government hospitals.
After some uncertainties over the equipment, it was decided that AIIMS Trauma Centre would provide the high-class equipment needed for the polyclinics. A week ago, the Delhi Development Authority also gave necessary approvals for setting up polyclinics at the venues, on account of it being the land-owning agency.
Delhi health minister Kiran Walia has been keeping a tab on the progress of the work and has been tracking even the finer points like ensuring easy movement for athletes needing medical attention and quick accessibility. “These clinics will be self-sustaining and will have amenities including ice-making machines. They will be run by trained staff who are being taught to respond quickly to emergencies,’’ said Ms Walia.
The training for paramedics and physiotherapists brought in from Amritsar and masseurs from Kerala has also started, said the officials.