The Delhi Government has approved cover of 100 percent costs on treatment of victims of road accidents. This accident victim scheme was chaired at the State Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, presided over by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while health minister Satyender Jain briefed the media on its passing.
Till date, accident, burns and acid victims are offered free treatment at Government hospitals, but the Delhi Government has now approved free treatment even at private hospitals. Many times it is seen that private hospitals refuse to admit the accident victim as they feel they are poor. Valuable time is spent trying to locate a government hospital in the vicinity of the accident and the victim’s life hangs in a balance. This scenario will now change as the Delhi Government will foot the entire bill incurred on treatment of accident victims that also includes burns and acid attacks.
The proposal for this scheme has been in the works since August 2016 ever since road accident victim in Delhi’s Subhash Nagar bled to death because he was not given any medical assistance in the needed hour. The move is aimed at saving lives during this golden hour be it in road accident, fire or acid attacks. Jain has stated that the Cabinet has approved this scheme and affirmed that the Delhi Government will bear the treatment cost both at government and private hospitals.
Jain also revealed that 8,000 accidents occur on Delhi roads each year which affects 15,000-20,000 persons while 1,600 people die each year due to road accidents. In January this year, AAP Government has also announced a scheme called the ‘Good Samaritan Policy’. Rs.2,000 would be paid as reward to be paid to those who come to the help of accident victims to remove them to hospitals during the golden hour and they will also be given a certificate of appreciation.
India registers highest number of road accident related deaths in the world. More than 400 people die on Indian roads every day due to accidents.Such a move by Delhi Govt is much appreciated. This will not only offer timely attention to the victim, but will also provide a hassle free experience to the citizens. Hopefully, other states of India too follow this, which will help reduce in number of road accident related deaths in the country.
