The Punjab government has launched its revolutionary Farishtay scheme as a flagship program under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This transformative initiative promises free and full medical treatment for all road accident victims across the state ensuring timely care during their critical golden hour which is the first hour after an accident when life-saving intervention can significantly improve survival chances. This scheme has already provided free medical treatment to 223 road accident victims in Punjab.
In a significant step towards improving emergency coverage, both government and private hospitals were empaneled under its ambit. These hospitals will provide cashless treatment, and private institutions will be reimbursed by the government based on predetermined rates. Dr. Balbir Singh, the Health and Family Welfare Minister, emphasizes the inclusivity in the scheme “We will provide free treatment to all victims, irrespective of their caste, creed, financial status, or even nationality. It’s a first-of-its-kind initiative in India aimed at saving countless lives" he stated.
By this, the scheme affirms that caste, status, or nationality will not be any limit rather the scheme will be applicable to any person who suffers a road accident and requires urgent treatment, provided that the accident or mishap should have taken place within the jurisdiction of the Punjab government.
Promoting citizen's participation
The scheme actively encourages citizens to come forward and assist accident victims by rewarding those who take victims to the hospital with ₹2,000 and a “Farishta” commendation certificate. To further simplify the process, a person saving a victim's life named Farishta will not face any police or hospital questioning unless they voluntarily choose to be eyewitnesses.
The concept of a reward system is intentionally attached to the scheme to encourage and empower people to take a stand for someone in need. People also hesitated to take the victim to the hospital for fear of being caught in the police investigation loop. This Farishtey scheme will act as a curative measure now.
Also the process of claiming this reward amount is very systematic ensuring that no fake accidents are framed with the intention to claim the reward amount. The person eligible for the reward amount will have to deposit his required identity details along with the documents. Then after verification,, only the reward amount shall be generated.
Widespread Implementation and accessibility
To ensure its effectiveness the scheme has empanelled 494 hospitals including 93 care centres located strategically within a 30 km radius of major highways. Integrated with emergency helplines like 108, 112, and 103 as well as the Mapple mobile app the program guarantees rapid response and medical attention. Ambulance staff have undergone specialized training to provide efficient first responders and transport accident victims to the nearest facilities.
Unlike a similar program in another state that limits to the first 48 hours of financial coverage Punjab of medical care until the patient is discharged. The program has already treated 223 accident victims during its pilot phase and recognized 66 “Farishtas” for their selfless contributions through the Faristhay Awards.
Press note highlights.
Miss Babita CEO of the State Health Agency (SHA) of Punjab Border Heights highlighted the scheme’s operational framework.
To bring attention to the need for this scheme, she addressed the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, that approximately 14,00 road accidents and 400 design incidents occur every day in India. In Punjab alone, around 5,000 accidents and deaths are reported annually.
She emphasised the government to make emergency medical care accessible to all accidents “Under the Farishte scheme we have empanelled 494 hospitals and 90 territory care centres along major roads to ensure victims receive immediate treatment during the golden hour. These hospitals are integrated with the Maple application which uses an IT system to locate the nearest hospital and our emergency helplines” she stated.
Ms Babita also highlighted incentives for Fashitas, who will be rewarded ₹2,000 and provide a commendation certificate, officially recognizing them as Farishtas. She noted that these individuals would enjoy immunity from legal complications and police inquiries, thereby fostering compassion and timely assistance.
Further in her disclosure, she claimed that the scheme ensures no financial burden on victims as treatment is entirely cashless. Complaints regarding empaneled hospitals demanding payment can be reported through the 104 medical helpline or directly to the SHA Punjab, Ms. Babitha concluded by acknowledging the government’s effort in reducing road accident fatalities, calling the scheme a “landmark initiative” that demonstrates Punjab’s commitment to prioritize human life.
The Farishtey scheme sets a benchmark for emergency care in India by addressing the critical gap in road accident response. With its inclusive and comprehensive framework, the scheme not only provides free treatment but also inspires community participation in saving lives. Punjab paves the way with its progressive initiative it is important to become a role model for other states in prioritising and well-being of its citizens.