Kolkata/IBNS: Desun Hospital, India’s only hospital with an operational rooftop helipad, conducted a comprehensive mock drill on Thursday to evaluate its emergency preparedness and ability to manage critical patient scenarios effectively.

The drill, held at the hospital’s helipad and emergency department, offered hands-on training for staff across departments.

It provided an opportunity to practice real-time coordination, reinforce best practices, and strengthen the overall emergency response framework.

The drill simulated the arrival of patients via both air ambulance and four-wheeler ambulance, focusing on swift transfer to the emergency room (ER) for immediate treatment.

The simulated cases included patients suffering from severe injuries due to building collapse, extensive burns, and toxic chemical inhalation—conditions that require rapid triage and coordinated medical response.

Two dedicated teams assessed the hospital’s readiness in handling complex medical emergencies. The exercise was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Sujoy Ranjan Deb, Medical Director; Dr. Manjeet Kaur, HoD, Emergency Medical Services; and Mridul Das, HoD, Security & Fire Safety.

"This mock drill reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care in emergency situations," said Sajal Dutta, Chairman & Managing Director of Desun Hospitals Group.

"Such preparedness exercises help us identify gaps, reinforce our protocols, and ensure our team is fully equipped to respond efficiently to any crisis," he added.

The helipad is intended to facilitate rapid air ambulance services, enabling quick access to critical care facilities in emergencies, including potential attacks amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.

These drills are part of broader efforts to assess and improve civil defence preparedness, following the successful launch of Operation Sindoor—a decisive military strike on Pakistan in retaliation for the tragic Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 Indian lives.

The operation targeted nine key sites, hitting terrorist infrastructure, as fireworks lit up the skies across the nation in a show of solidarity and national pride.