CHANDIGARH: The Farishtey Scheme, launched by the Punjab government to provide immediate, hassle-free treatment to road accident victims, has proven to be a boon in saving precious lives.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), approximately 1,400 road accidents and 400 deaths occur every day in India, with Punjab alone accounting for around 5,000 accidental deaths annually. The Farishtey Scheme aims to address this critical issue by providing comprehensive treatment to accident victims, without any capping on the amount.
The state flagship scheme, aimed at reducing the mortality and morbidity rates resulting from injuries sustained in roadside accidents and to provide immediate, hassle-free treatment in government and empaneled private hospitals, was notified on January 25, 2024. The scheme is applicable to all the victims and sufferers of road accidents that happened in the territory of the state of Punjab irrespective of the caste, creed, nationality and place of birth of the victims and provides comprehensive treatment to accident victims, without any capping on the amount.
Divulging details, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) State Health Agency (SHA) Punjab Ms Babita said that to encourage common people to come forth and help accident victims and save the lives of the victims, such “Farishteys” are being felicitated with cash rewards, commendation certificates and provided immunity from legal complications and police inquiries. “Any person who voluntarily rescue the accident victims and help them in saving their lives, will be considered as ‘Farishta’ and conferred with commendation certificate and a cash prize of Rs 2000,” she said.
The CEO said that since its launch, the scheme has provided free medical treatment to as many as 223 accident victims, showcasing its effectiveness in reducing mortality rates resulting from road accidents. So far, 66 "Farishtas" (good Samaritans) have been registered with the State Health Agency (SHA) Punjab, she added.
She said that the Chief Minister of Punjab has recognised the selfless efforts of 16 Farishtas, by awarding them a cash incentive of Rs 2000 per victim on August 15, 2024, and a commendation certificates, with their awards aptly named the "Farishey Award". The remaining Farishtas have also been recognised, receiving their awards from the Deputy Commissioners in their respective districts, she added.
Under the Farishtey Scheme, 494 hospitals, including 90 tertiary care hospitals, have been specifically empaneled to cover a 30 km stretch along national and state highways/roads, ensuring treatment during the critical golden hour.
Ms Babita said that these hospitals are integrated with the Mapple application (a mobile app), a mobile app that helps the people to search and navigate to the nearby empaneled hospital.
The scheme is also linked to emergency helplines, including 108, 1033, and 112 Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF), which use IT systems to locate the nearest hospital for quick transportation, with hospitals within a 30 km radius providing immediate care within the golden hour, she said, while adding that the 108-ambulance staff have been trained to manage and transport accident victims to the nearest hospitals.
The CEO said that if an empaneled hospital demands payment, beneficiaries can file a complaint with the SHA Punjab or register their grievance at 104 Medical helplines.