Road mishap victims to get free treatment, says Civil Surgeon
As per the directions of Dr Balbir Singh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, road accident victims in the state will be provided free treatment under the Farishtey scheme. Dr Pardeep Kumar Mohindra, Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, said, emphasising that the scheme aimed at maximising the use of the critical ‘golden hour’ without any discrimination. He said accident victims could avail themselves of free treatment in nearby government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals.
Dr Mohindra elaborated on the concept of the ‘golden hour,’ saying that it was an important period right after a road accident when timely medical intervention could significantly increase the chances of survival for critically injured patients. He added that Ludhiana district had 16 government hospitals and 31 empanelled private hospitals where victims could seek free medical care.
Dr Harinder Singh Sood, Additional Charge, Deputy Medical Commissioner, stated that individuals who took accident victims to the hospital would also be honoured by the government. Under the scheme, a list of empanelled hospitals in the state is available on the department’s website: sha.punjab.gov.in.