SLF to launch Highway Rescue Project in WB

Kolkata, Nov 4 (UNI) With an increasing number of deaths on highways, Save Life Foundation (SLF), a city-based NGO, has decided to replicate the internationally recognised and nationally acclaimed Highway Rescue Project (HRP) in West Bengal.

Lifeline Foundation CEO Subroto Das told newsmen here yesterday that the Road Traffic Accident (RTA) is the leading cause of mortality within the age group of 15-44 years and by 2020, it would rank as the second major cause of death worldwide.

India ranks along with China as a high fatality area in the world.

India has one per cent of the world's vehicles but accounts for six per cent of the world's accidents.

While the worldwide ratio is 0.75 accidents per 1000 vehicles, in India it is at 16 accidents. India recorded 92,500 deaths in 2003-04 and RTA costs India Rs 75,000 crore or three per cent of the GDP.

Lifeline Foundation was conceptualised, developed and launched in India on July 1, 2002 and it was the first ever documented public-private-NGO partnership in the world and recognised as a very highly replicable project' for third world countries.

'' The HRP's bold step would reduce mortality on the highways.

After indepth studies and rigorous legwork, we have networked hospitals, blood banks, various institutions and 202 ambulances in Gujarat and Maharashtra for this noble cause, '' he said.

A highway accident helpline number would be displayed on the roadsides, besides posters at STD booths, petrol pumps and eateries, and stickers on four wheelers and trucks, he added.

He also said with 1910 lives saved since 2002 in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the HRP is to be replicated in West Bengal on NH 2 between Kolkata and Asansol in partnership with Kolkata-based NGO Save Life Foundation.

A central control room set up in Baroda responses to any distress call and the site of the accident is located by indigenously developed mapping and tracking system, the CEO added.

The highway rescue team of ambulances, cranes and metal cutters ensures immediate evacuation of the victims free of cost to the nearest medical centre for emergency treatment he said.

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