Punjab’s ‘Farishtey’ scheme emerges as lifesaver in road accident emergencies

In Punjab, ‘Farishtey’ Scheme is proving a boon in saving precious lives during road accidents. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab Ms Babita said 66 ‘Farishtas’ have been willingly registered with the SHA. She said a good number of hospitals are linked in to ensure treatment during the critical golden hour. The scheme is also linked to emergency helplines – 108, 1033 and 112 Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF), which use IT tools to locate the nearest hospital for quick transportation of the



victim.

1,400 road accidents and 400 deaths occur every day in India, with Punjab alone accounting for around 5,000 accidental deaths annually. With the launch of this voluntary scheme in January this year for any person to become a ‘Good Smaritan’, ‘Farishteys’ have provided emergency medical treatment to as many as 223 accident victims by admitting them in hospitals for free treatment, thereby saving lives and providing treatment to road accident victims.