Sangrur, July 31
Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Sangrur, Manjit Kaur has appealed to the people of the district to make maximum use of the Pradhan Mantri-Rahat Yojana for Hospitalization and Assured Treatment of Road Accident Victims (PM-Rahat) launched by the Government of India, to ensure prompt, quality and cashless medical treatment for road accident victims.
Manjit Kaur said that the scheme has been launched with an objective to reduce deaths due to road accidents to ensure that every eligible victim gets timely treatment without financial burden. She informed that under the Pradhan Mantri-Rahat Yojana, eligible road accident victims get cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for a maximum period of seven days from the date of accident in panelised hospitals.
Stressing on the importance of the golden hour, she said that the first hour after a road accident is the most crucial for saving lives. Immediate medical attention during this time significantly increases the chances of survival and reduces the risk of permanent disability. He appealed to the public to ensure that accident victims are shifted to the nearest listed hospital without any delay.
The RTO also appealed to citizens not to hesitate in helping road accident victims. He said that under the Good Samaritan provisions, any person who voluntarily assists an injured victim by taking him to the hospital is protected from unnecessary legal and procedural complications. Such persons are also eligible for incentives notified by the Government of India, which encourage public participation in saving lives.
He advised that whenever a road accident occurs, people should immediately call the emergency helpline 112 and ensure that the injured person gets immediate medical attention. “A few moments of timely action can save a precious human life,” he said, urging citizens to act responsibly in emergency situations.
Calling upon all road users to adopt safe driving practices, Manjit Kaur stressed the importance of strict adherence to traffic rules. She urged motorists to always wear helmets and seat belts, adhere to speed limits, avoid drunk driving, do not use mobile phones while driving and maintain lane discipline. She added that responsible driving is the most effective way to prevent road accidents and save lives.
She added that road safety is a collective responsibility and requires active participation of every section of the society. By following traffic rules, assisting accident victims during emergencies and spreading awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Rahat Yojana, citizens can make a meaningful contribution in reducing road accidents and saving precious lives.
The Regional Transport Officer also appealed to educational institutions, transport operators, social organizations and resident welfare associations to actively disseminate information about the Pradhan Mantri-Rahat Yojana so that every citizen can be aware of the benefits available to road accident victims and can respond effectively during emergencies.
