The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Guwahati has reached an important milestone in healthcare education by becoming the first institution in Northeast India to be accredited as an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Provider Centre. The recognition is expected to play a key role in improving trauma care and emergency medical response across the region. The accreditation has been achieved under the leadership of Prof. (Col.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati. With this approval, the institute has formally joined the national and international network of centres authorised to conduct structured ATLS training for doctors involved in trauma and emergency care. To mark the beginning of this new role, AIIMS Guwahati successfully organised its first ATLS Provider Course from December 12 to December 14, 2025.
The course is seen as a major step towards introducing standardised trauma education in the Northeast, a region that often faces challenges due to difficult terrain, road accidents, and delays in emergency response. The inaugural programme was attended by Prof. (Dr.) M. C. Mishra, Chair of ATLS India and former Director of AIIMS New Delhi. He was accompanied by experienced ATLS faculty members from different parts of the country. Their presence helped ensure that the training met established ATLS guidelines and global standards. ATLS training focuses on the early and systematic management of trauma patients, especially during the “golden hour”, which is the critical period immediately after an injury. Proper care during this time can greatly increase the chances of survival and reduce long-term complications.
Each ATLS course at AIIMS Guwahati is designed for 16 participants at a time. The programme includes two days of detailed classroom sessions and practical, hands-on training. On the third day, participants undergo a formal assessment to test their understanding and skills, strictly following ATLS protocols. With this accreditation, AIIMS Guwahati aims to train doctors and healthcare professionals from across the Northeast, helping to build a strong and skilled trauma care workforce. The initiative is expected to improve emergency care services, strengthen hospital preparedness, and ultimately reduce deaths caused by serious injuries in the region.