DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

The initiative taken by Haryana Police to provide free and prompt medical assistance to road accident victims has now become a model for the entire nation. The effective and impactful implementation of the Free Cashless Treatment Scheme, launched on October 1, 2024, has earned Haryana the top position at the national level.

This achievement is the result of Haryana Police's alertness, technological proficiency, and human sensitivity, which transformed this scheme into a robust, responsive, and impactful relief mechanism on the ground.

Director General of Police, Haryana, Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, extended his congratulations and best wishes to the entire team of the Traffic and Highways Wing on this extraordinary achievement. He stated that the scheme is an excellent example of public service, good governance, and accountability, and expressed hope that the same dedicated work ethic and citizen-centric approach will continue in the future as well.

Since the implementation of the scheme, Haryana Police has provided free cashless treatment in 3,167 road accident cases through swift response and coordination.

This figure is the highest among all Indian states. Using advanced technological platforms like e-DAR and TMS, each case was uploaded and approved in record time, with treatment covered through government funds. In every district, DSP/ACP-level officers have been designated as nodal officers, heading 24x7 active District Road Safety Cells. Upon receiving accident information, the case is digitally processed and approved within just 6 hours. A statewide dedicated WhatsApp network ensures real-time monitoring of every case ? an innovative administrative model that serves as an example for other states.

Haryana became the first state in India to successfully integrate CCTNS (Crime & Criminal Tracking Network System) with e-DAR. This integration ensures that accident-related data is auto-transferred in real time, significantly accelerating reporting and investigation. This not only put a check on fraudulent claims but also significantly enhanced the transparency and credibility of the process.

Haryana has developed an integrated response model by combining 112 emergency services with 108 ambulance services. As soon as an accident is reported, police, ambulance, and concerned police stations are simultaneously activated, ensuring the victim is transported to the hospital within minutes. This model has been recognized as exemplary by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

In implementing this scheme, Haryana Police did not merely act as an administrative body, but also played the role of a compassionate and humane guardian. In critical situations like road accidents, where every second counts, the police's rapid response, coordination with hospitals, and comprehensive support to victims and their families demonstrates that Haryana Police protects not just the law, but humanity as well.

(editor@dailyworld.in)