Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that government of India is planning to provide modern ambulances to the states to curb fatalities from road accident.
Share
Despite taking several measures like creating awareness on road safety, improving road infrastructure and enforcing stringent rules and penalties against traffic offenders, the government of India has failed to curb fatalities due to road mishaps, as over five lakh road accidents are reported in the country annually, causing around 1.8 lakh deaths, most of whom are in the 18-34 age group. This was admitted by Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session of the parliament on Wednesday. Expressing anguish over this trend, he revealed that the Centre is planning to provide modern ambulances to the states, and people who help accident victims would be honoured with a cash reward of INR 25,000 each. He went on to say that ambulances should reach the accident sites within 10 minutes, stressing the importance of timely medical attention. This is a welcome idea, a move that can save many lives. During distress and emergencies like road accidents, every second counts; hence, the period that follows a road accident is referred to as the golden hour. There is no replacement for timely help and prompt medical treatment. Simple acts like providing first aid to victims and calling emergency services can save lives, but unfortunately, many refrain or think twice before offering help for fear of legal complications. Then there is the ambulance crisis. A poor emergency response system is one of the reasons for the high fatality rate from road accidents in developing countries. The Centre’s proposed move, if implemented, will address delayed medical help. And it will benefit resource-crunched regions like the Northeast more than the others.
Nagaland needs ambulances; in fact, dozens of them to cover its remote areas. Interestingly, Gadkari’s statement came a few weeks after Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman flagged off multi-utility bike ambulances in Kiphire under the CSR initiative of the State Bank of India. What was aimed at enhancing medical outreach in remote areas became an object of ridicule, triggering a meme fest among internet users, with many poking fun at the size of the motorbike. They say that something is better than nothing, but if that something doesn't help the people, it’s as good as nothing. The state requires ambulances equipped with advanced medical technology and communication systems, particularly in rural areas where access to health services remains a challenge due to a lack of healthcare facilities, difficult terrains and poor connectivity. Robust ambulance services will reduce fatalities not just from road accidents but also from other illnesses. Providing such a facility will save lives.