Punjab’s Heartwarming ‘Farishtey Scheme’: A Lifeline in the Wake of Road Accidents

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget how precious life is until something shakes us to our core. In Punjab, where road accidents have unfortunately become a common occurrence, the local government has taken a bold step to ensure that help is always at hand. With the compassionate leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Farishtey Scheme is offering hope and salvation to the victims of road accidents across the state.

A Vision to Save Lives

Did you know that according to the National Crime Records Bureau, almost 400 lives are lost daily in India due to road accidents? In Punjab alone, we’re talking about 5,000 heartbreaking incidents each year. But there’s a glimmer of hope shining through— the Farishtey Scheme. Launched by the Punjab government, this initiative aims to provide immediate and hassle-free treatment to those injured in road accidents, regardless of their caste, creed, nationality, or birthplace.

Marking its announcement date on January 25, 2024, the scheme has already shown immense promise. The focus is to reduce mortality and morbidity resulting from these tragic accidents, ultimately saving countless lives.

Compassion Unleashed: The Farishtey Come Forward

The term ‘Farishtey’ translates to ‘angels,’ but in Punjab, it’s taking on an even deeper meaning. Every individual who voluntarily comes forward to help an accident victim is celebrated as a Farishtey. These real-life angels are not only praised with certificates and a cash reward of 2000 rupees but are also exempt from any legal hassle or police inquiries. Essentially, they’re the symbols of humanity’s kindness and goodness across the state.

It’s heartening to hear from Babita, the CEO of the Punjab State Health Agency (SHA), who speaks passionately about the scheme. “We want to encourage public participation to save lives,” she says. Up until now, the program has supported 223 accident victims with free medical treatment. In recognition of their altruistic efforts, 66 Good Samaritans have registered as Farishtey with the agency, and 16 of them received recognition from the Chief Minister on August 15, 2024.

Spreading Wings: Connecting Hospitals Through Technology

Another noteworthy feature of this scheme involves the collaboration of 494 hospitals, out of which 90 are tertiary care facilities. These hospitals are specifically listed to cover an area of 30 kilometres alongside national and state highways. The aim is simple yet powerful—ensure treatment during the critical ‘golden hour.’ This precious window of time is essential to saving lives immediately following an accident.

Cementing this network is the Maple Application, a user-friendly mobile app designed to assist people in finding the nearest listed hospital swiftly. Integrated with emergency helplines like 108, 1033, and 112, the app leverages IT systems to locate the nearest hospital for prompt care. Moreover, 108 ambulance staff have undergone special training to manage and transport accident victims swiftly.

If there’s any hiccup, like a listed hospital demanding payment, the victims are encouraged to reach out to SHA Punjab or register their complaint via the 104 Medical Helpline.

With these efforts, it’s clear that the Punjab government is truly committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens. The Farishtey Scheme speaks to the heart of what it means to be a community—where every life is cherished, and help is never far away. So, the next time you witness an accident, remember: you have the power to become a Farishtey and offer someone a second chance at life.