WionDrive News Desk 
The Punjab government, led by Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, is dedicated to reducing road accident fatalities and ensuring timely medical treatment within the critical “golden hour” to save lives. The minister announced the government’s plan to decrease such fatalities by 50% by the year 2025.
Dr Balbir Singh highlighted the significant initiatives undertaken by the government to achieve this goal, including the implementation of the Farishtey Scheme, the establishment of the Sadak Surakhiya Force, and the recent addition of a new ambulance fleet to the health department.
The Health Minister was addressing a one-day workshop on “Emergency Care and Schemes for Road Accident Victims in Punjab,” organised by the Lead Agency on Road Safety, the “Punjab Road Safety Council,” at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA).
The Punjab government’s commitment to road safety and emergency medical care is evident in its multi-pronged approach. The Farishtey Scheme provides free treatment for road accident victims in over 500 hospitals across the state, ensuring that critical care is accessible during the golden hour. The Sadak Surakhiya Force, a specialized unit, focuses on enhancing road safety and responding to accidents promptly.
Moreover, the addition of a new ambulance fleet to the health department is a significant step towards improving emergency transportation and medical care for those affected by road accidents. With these initiatives in place, the Punjab government aims to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in road accident fatalities by 2025, demonstrating its dedication to saving lives and improving road safety.
The workshop provided a platform for experts, stakeholders, and government officials to discuss the various schemes and strategies being implemented to address the issue of road accidents in the state. The collaborative efforts between the government and the Punjab Road Safety Council, the lead agency on road safety, underscore the importance placed on this critical issue.
Overall, the Punjab government’s comprehensive approach, encompassing infrastructure development, emergency response, and targeted schemes, showcases its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens on the roads and reducing the tragic loss of life due to road accidents.
