Every year, a staggering number of people lose their lives in road accidents across India. It’s not just the fatalities that are concerning; thousands of individuals who suffer injuries also face the grim reality of death due to delayed medical attention.
Recognizing this critical issue, the Central Government is taking significant steps to protect its citizens from the dangers of road accidents. Their commitment to improving road safety is evident in the measures they are rolling out to ensure quicker medical assistance for accident victims.
A Boost in Incentives for Good Samaritans
Recently, Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari made an important announcement aimed at encouraging bystanders to assist those hurt in road accidents. The government plans to increase the reward for individuals who promptly transport injured persons to hospitals from Rs 5,000 to a substantial Rs 25,000.
This decision was revealed during an interview in Pune, where Gadkari emphasized the urgency of getting victims to medical facilities as quickly as possible. He highlighted that if victims receive care within the “golden hour,” which is the first hour after an injury, their chances of survival increase dramatically.
Innovative Schemes for Road Safety
This initiative is part of a broader scheme that the central government introduced in October 2021 to motivate citizens to assist accident victims. Not only do those who help get a certificate of recognition along with their financial reward, but just recently, Gadkari also announced a new cashless treatment plan for accident victims.
Under this plan, if someone is injured in an accident, they will receive immediate medical care without any upfront costs. The government will cover treatment expenses for up to seven days, with a maximum limit of Rs 1.5 lakh. This scheme is set to launch in March, reinforcing the government’s commitment to saving lives and enhancing road safety in the country.
