Nawanshahr, July 30:- Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Inderpal said that the PM-Rahat Yojana being run by the Central Government with the aim of saving the lives of people injured in road accidents is very beneficial for the common people. He appealed to the people that in case of a road accident, the injured should be helped immediately and they should be taken to the nearest listed hospital without any fear or hesitation.
The RTO said that under this scheme, every victim of a road accident is provided cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.50 lakh for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident.
He said that the first 24 to 48 hours after the accident, which is called the 'golden hour', are the most important to save the life of the injured. Therefore, all listed hospitals have been instructed to ensure immediate treatment of the victims.
Inderpal said that every Indian and foreign citizen who is a victim of a vehicle accident on Indian roads is entitled to take advantage of this scheme. In case of an accident, the 112 helpline can be contacted immediately for information about the ambulance and the nearest listed hospital.
He said that this scheme is operated through e-DAR and the TMS 2.0 portal of the National Health Authority and the cost of treatment is paid from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. In cases of hit and run, the entire cost of treatment is borne by the government.
The RTO said that under the 'Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) Scheme', the person who helps the injured person to the hospital within the first 60 minutes of the accident is given a cash reward of Rs 25,000 and a certificate of appreciation. A person can be given this reward a maximum of five times in a year. If more than one person helps together, then the reward amount is divided equally among all.
He also said that every year, excellent road warriors are honored at the national level with a prize money of Rs. 1 lakh and a trophy. Inderpal clarified that no road warrior can be forced to undergo unnecessary interrogation, register an FIR or become a witness by the police or hospital. After admitting the injured to the hospital, he can leave immediately. After confirmation from the local police and doctor, the prize money is sent directly to the beneficiary's bank account through PFMS on the recommendation of the District Evaluation Committee.