Question : LIFE SAVING SYSTEMS ON NHS

(a) whether the National Highways Accident Relief Service Scheme (NHARSS) implemented by the Government has been successful in saving the lives of road accident victims on the National Highways;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has any proposal to formulate an effective action plan, in coordination with the State Governments to provide life saving systems including organising air ambulances and developing helipads on the NHs to save the lives of road accidents victims; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)

(a) & (b): It is an accepted strategy of trauma care that if basic life support, first aid and replacement of fluids leading to initial stabilization can be arranged within first hour of the injury called “Golden Hour”, lives of many accident victims can be saved. Recognizing the vital importance of quick medical assistance and evacuation of road accident victims` in reducing the trauma and probability of death and disability associated with road accidents, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, under the scheme “National Highways Accident Relief Service Scheme(NHARSS)” has so far provided 307 ten ton cranes, 70 Small/Medium sized cranes and 437 ambulances to the States/ UTs/NGOs for relief and rescue measures in the aftermath of accidents by way of evacuating road accident victims to nearest medical aid centre and for clearing the accident site. Details of these cranes and ambulances are at Annexure.

(c) & (d): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing a Scheme titled “ Project for establishment of trauma care facilities along National Highways” during the 11th Five Year Plan, at a total outlay of Rs. 732.75 crore to develop a network of Trauma Centers along the Golden Quadrilateral, North-South and East West Corridors of the National Highways to help the accident victims. The project comprises well equipped life support ambulances at every 50 Kilometer of the completed stretches of the National Highways equipped with life support equipments and trained staff, to be provided by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is to provide 140 advanced life support ambulances to the 140 identified hospitals under the Scheme.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has so far provided financial assistance to 110 Trauma care centres in 16 States after signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the respective state Government. The financial assistance amounting to Rs. 4.8 crore, 9.65 crore and 16 crore are provided to level-III, level-II and level-I respectively, to strengthen the manpower, building, equipments, and communication network.

In addition, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering construction of helipads to be developed along National Highways within land acquired for wayside amenities. This will be used for air ambulances with life saving systems.