Why in news
- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways reviewed the PM Rahat Scheme and Zero Fatality District (ZFD) framework at the Regional Manthan Conference.
What are PM Rahat and Zero Fatality District Initiatives?
- PM Rahat Scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for up to 7 days from the date of a road accident to utilize the 'Golden Hour'.
- Zero Fatality District (ZFD) is a targeted framework deployed across 100 high-fatality districts in 15 states to reduce accident mortality using engineering, enforcement, emergency care, and education.
Why it matters
- Addressing the Golden Hour reduces road accident fatalities by up to 50% by eliminating upfront hospital payment delays.
- Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCORS) oversees systemic implementation across state transport departments.
Key terms
Golden Hour
The first hour after a traumatic injury when prompt medical treatment is most likely to prevent death.
Prelims facts
- PM Rahat covers road crash trauma care without demanding immediate out-of-pocket payments during the Golden Hour.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate multi-sectoral strategies required to meet the Stockholm Declaration goal of halving road traffic deaths.
Source: PIB English