The FIA rates medical facilities at the Buddh International Circuit as the best amongst the new circuits on the Formula One calendar.
FIA doctor Gary Hartstein, who is part of the medical support team for the Indian Grand Prix, feels the BIC offers the best of facilities that matches even the race venues in the west. He is most impressed with the local medical staff led by Deena Shah.
“I would say the Indian medical staff looks as if they are a season old,” Hartstein told IANS.
“The quality of the doctors are very high and there are more equipments than required. The facilities certainly match the ones we have in the west. I told Mr. (Bernie) Ecclestone that these guys really know their job. The FIA has a certain set of guidelines and this medical center has more than that,” said Hartstein, who visited the circuit in August to measure the progress of work in the medical center.
The American says he was surprised with the amount of work done by the medical staff in August, a time when the other areas of the circuit including the track were incomplete.
“As far as the medical side goes, it doesn’t feel that you are having the grand prix for the first time here. We are pretty used to going in new circuits but this time I did not feel that way.”
The drivers can be treated in the state—of the—art medical facility within minutes of an accident. The center has an operation theatre, X—ray room and specially made burn and doping area. Ten medical booths are placed around the circuit, and if needed, drivers will be airlifted to the hospital from the helipad at the venue.
The new circuits on the F1 calendar are in Bahrain, South Korea, Abu Dhabi and Singapore, apart from India.
