Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS): A round-the-clock accident and emergency care centre was inaugurated at the Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital here on Saturday by Maharashtra Health Minister Deepak Sawant.

The new emergency care centre spread over 3,000 sq. ft would be supported by a fleet of well equipped, advanced cardiac life support ambulances to address emergency health issues.

"There is an urgent need to create an ambulance freeway to address the emergency medical care needs within the shortest period of time. The state health ministry will definitely work towards such initiatives with the state road transport department," Sawant said during the inauguration.

Recent data on inability to receive medical attention on time reveals that ever year, almost 1.24 million lives are lost as a result of road accidents.

A campaign was also conducted by hospital authorities to raise awareness among drivers, regarding giving way to ambulances.

Abhay Soi, chairman of the hospital, said: "Mumbai, a city that never sleeps and a city where the population swells every year, should have more quaternary healthcare institutions with dedicated emergency units and a strong network of advanced ambulance services for the holistic care of those in dire need of medical attention."

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and member of parliament Shatrughan Sinha was also present at the function.