City Govt to foot hospital bills of accident victims

In a decision that can provide relief to those injured during road accidents, fire and acid attacks, the Delhi Government has decided to bear the cost of treatment of such victims even at private hospitals under a new scheme approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday. 

“Every life counts. Every life is important for us. If an accident victim receives best medical care immediately, many lives cud be saved,” tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who chaired the Cabinet meeting.

At a Press conference, Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the proposal would be sent to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal for his approval.

“The Government will pay the hospital expenses of any individual — from Delhi or outside — who is injured in an accident on any city road,” Jain said.

“The move is aimed at saving lives of such people during the golden hour after a road accident,” he said.

Most people attempt to take road accident victims to a Government hospital even if a private hospital in nearby, thereby denying treatment within the ‘Golden Hour’, the Minister said.

Jain claimed that 8,000 accidents occur on Delhi roads every year, affecting 15,000-20,000 people, and about 1,600 people die per year.

The Minister said almost 8,000 accidents occur every year in the capital, with around 20,000 people getting injured. On an average, 1,600 of them die. “Victims are usually taken to Government hospitals to save on money, skipping nearby private hospitals. Unfortunately, many people die since they are unable to get medical assistance within the golden hour. This scheme will help save people’s lives,” the Minister said.