Farishtey Scheme in Punjab Offers Free Medical Treatment to 223 Accident Victims

In Punjab, 223 road accident victims have received free medical care under the Farishtey scheme, as reported by a senior official. This initiative encourages individuals to assist accident victims by recognising them as 'Farishta' and rewarding them with a commendation certificate and Rs 2,000. Babita, the Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Agency in Punjab, shared these details.

The Farishtey scheme was officially announced on January 25. It aims to lower death and injury rates from road accidents by offering immediate treatment in both government and selected private hospitals. The scheme covers all road accident victims within Punjab, providing comprehensive care without financial limits.

Focus on Road Safety and Immediate Care

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India experiences about 1,400 road accidents daily, leading to 400 deaths. In Punjab alone, around 5,000 people die annually due to such incidents. The scheme seeks to address this serious issue by ensuring accident victims receive necessary medical attention without cost restrictions.

Babita highlighted that the scheme not only provides free treatment but also motivates people to help accident victims. Those who assist are rewarded with cash prizes and certificates and are protected from legal issues or police investigations.

Implementation and Hospital Network

Since its inception, the scheme has successfully treated 223 accident victims for free, demonstrating its role in reducing fatalities from road mishaps. Additionally, 66 individuals have been recognised as 'farishteys' or good samaritans by the State Health Agency in Punjab.

The scheme includes 494 hospitals, with 90 being tertiary care facilities. These hospitals are strategically located along a 30 km stretch of national and state highways to ensure timely treatment during the crucial golden hour after an accident.

Technological Integration for Quick Response

Hospitals involved in the scheme are connected through the Mapple mobile app. This app helps users find and navigate to nearby empanelled hospitals quickly. The initiative is also linked with emergency helplines like 108, 1033, and 112 Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF), which use technology to identify the nearest hospital for swift transportation.

These hospitals provide immediate care within a 30 km radius during the golden hour, enhancing the chances of survival for accident victims. The integration of IT systems ensures that help is dispatched promptly to those in need.

This initiative reflects a significant step towards improving road safety and reducing fatalities from accidents in Punjab. By offering comprehensive medical care without financial barriers and encouraging public participation, it aims to save lives effectively.