The first meeting of the Commission's Expert Group on Emergency Medical Care was held on 4 September 2003. In his opening remarks, the Chairperson, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand stated that the main purpose behind the setting up of the Expert Group by the Commission was to study the existing system of emergency medical care and to suggest improvements. He stated that the Commission took up this matter In the light of the Uphar Cinema tragedy. He expressed concern over the present state of the hospitals, lack of transportation to rush victims to hospitals, inept handling of victims while transporting them and inadequate arrangements for dealing with road, rail accidents and burn injuries.
After a thorough discussion on various facets of emergency medical care, a number of constructive suggestions emerged. It was decided to constitute a small sub-group of experts which could prepare a blueprint for the reconstructing of the emergency medical care and also evolve guidelines regarding ambulances and trauma care. The nine-member Expert Group is headed by Dr. P.K. Dave, former Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.