12,305 road accident victims in Salem Dt. saved under TN Govt’s free emergency care

As Jayaraj, a 75-year-old resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Attur, was walking with his son to a relative's home in the neighbourhood few days ago, he was suddenly struck by an unknown automobile. Jayarajwho fell was helped by the locals and taken to the Government Hospital, where it was determined that he had three fractures in his right arm. 
The doctors recommended that an immediate operation be performed. "I was unprepared financially to cover the cost of treatment, so I was caught off guard. Saving power came my way in the form of "InnuirKappom" scheme of the Tamilnadu government. I had the surgery and Rs 45,000,the emergency treatment cost was paid through the scheme.  I'm here and getting better gradually.  I would like to sincerely thank the Chief Minister for instituting the 1st. 48-hour free treatment programme to help road accident victims," Jayaraj said.
Jayaraj represents the 12,305 persons in Salem District whoreceived the most latest treatments and have been saved from the clutches of death ordisability by being able to get the crucial 1st 48 hours emergency treatment free of cost in Government Medical College Hospital, Government Hospital and Private Hospitals.
According to the report titled ‘Road Accidents in India-2022” released by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry in October 2023, the number of accidents in India has gone up by 11.9 per cent, casualties by 9.4 per cent and injuries by 15.3 per cent. The report further reveals that Tamil Nadu saw the highest number of accidents (18,972, 12. 5 per cent of the total accidents). The highest number of fatalities in road accidents was in Uttar Pradesh with 8,479 deaths (13.9 per cent) followed by Tamil Nadu with 5,978 fatalities.
Amidst the challenges of road safety and emergency healthcare access, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, Mr. M. K. Stalin, unveiled a pioneering initiative named "InnuirKappom” at the Melmaruvathur Adiparashakti Medical College And Research in Chengalput District  on December 18, 2021. It marks a crucial step in the state's efforts ensuring prompt equitable access to quality emergency medical care within the crucial 1st 48 hours to a road accident victim regardless of their financial status or residency across the state. Under the scheme 81 treatment packages have been approved and the scheme integrates seamlessly with the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan, ensuring continued care beyond the initial period for beneficiaries. The scheme applies to even those from other states if the accident occurs within the state.
Dr. R. Brindadevi, Salem District Collector said, the InnuirKappom scheme is made available at Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital , Government General Hospital Attur, Omalur, Sangakiri, Edappadi, Valappadi Government Hospitals, Mettur and 21 private hospitals. At a cost  of Rs 14.68 crore, 12,305 accident victims have been treated successfully under the InnuirKappom scheme, she has said.“In order to safeguard precious human lives, it is imperative that all two-wheeler riders wear helmets and strictly adhere to road rules”, emphasized District Collector Dr. R. Brindadevi.
Testimonials from beneficiaries such as Jayaraj,further underscore the scheme's practical impact on saving lives and easing the financial burden on accident victims, said officials.