In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering road safety and emergency medical care, Punjab Government has integrated Farishtey Hospitals into the Mappls Mobile App. The strategic move, orchestrated by the Traffic and Road Safety Wing of Punjab Police in collaboration with the State Health Agency (SHA) and Map My India, marked a significant step towards improving emergency response capabilities across the State.
The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced the integration, emphasizing its vital role in providing seamless navigation assistance to users, especially during road accidents. “The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure that accident victims can locate and reach nearby hospitals swiftly, particularly within the critical golden hours following an accident,” said DGP Yadav.
The Farishtey Scheme, a visionary project launched by the Punjab Government, aims to reduce morbidity rates from road accidents by offering immediate, hassle-free medical treatment in government and empanelled private hospitals. As of now, 384 hospitals across Punjab, including 238 private and 146 state-run institutions, have successfully completed the Punjab Farishtey Scheme Apply Online 2024 process and are now accessible via the Mappls Mobile App.
The state Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Traffic and Road Safety, AS Rai hailed the integration as a ‘significant step in enhancing emergency response capabilities’. He highlighted that the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) will leverage this system to transport accident victims to Farishtey Hospitals within the golden hours, thus improving survival rates. “Timely medical attention is critical for saving lives, and this initiative will ensure that accident victims receive it,” said ADGP Rai.
To encourage public participation, the Punjab Government is recognizing individuals who assist in transporting injured persons to hospitals as ‘Farishtas’. These Good Samaritans are rewarded with Rs 2,000, along with commendation certificates and immunity from legal complications and police inquiries.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Health Agency Babita Kaler expressed confidence that the collaboration with the Traffic and Road Safety Wing and Map My India would significantly improve emergency response by providing advanced navigation technology for locating hospitals. "This development will facilitate the prompt transfer of road accident victims to registered Farishtey Hospitals, thereby enhancing survival rates," she said.
Rohan Verma, CEO & ED of MapmyIndia, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating that mapping every hospital as a Farishtey Hospital would enhance reliability and user experience. “Our goal is to provide seamless navigation, real-time updates, and precise mapping, ensuring that residents can swiftly access critical healthcare when it matters most,” Verma concluded.
