Punjab government is busy in strengthening the Farishte Scheme.
To save the lives of people injured during road accidents in Punjab, the Punjab Government has included 295 hospitals under the Farishte Scheme. It includes 90 tertiary care hospitals. The hospital is located within a 30 kilometer stretch on national and state highways.
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Till now 223 have been given free treatment
The Punjab government had notified a policy in this regard on January 25, 2024. The scheme is applicable to all road accident victims occurring within the territory of Punjab State without any conditions or discrimination as to caste, religion, nationality and place of birth. Under this, comprehensive treatment is provided to accident victims without any limit. State Health Agency (SHA) Punjab Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Babita said that under the Farishte Scheme, free medical treatment has been provided to 223 accident victims. So far 66 “Angels” have been registered with the State Health Agency, Punjab.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema and Health Minister Balbir Singh discussing the Farishte Scheme. (file photo)
If any hospital asks for money, complain here
Punjab Government has run emergency helplines – 108, 1033 and 112 for the convenience of the people. This helpline number is also linked with the Road Safety Force (SSF). Under this, the facility to locate the nearest hospital within a radius of 30 kilometers through IT systems and to take the victim to the hospital on time is available. He said that 108 ambulance staff have been trained to manage and transport accident victims to the nearest hospital. The CEO informed that if any empaneled hospital demands payment, individuals can lodge a complaint with SHA, Punjab or register their complaint on 104 medical helpline.