In a bid to significantly reduce preventable deaths resulting from road accidents, the Government of India has embarked on a mission to institute Trauma Care Facilities on National Highways. A scheme coined as “Capacity Building for Developing Trauma Care Facilities on National Highways” has been initiated with an overarching objective of creating a nationwide trauma care network.
Underlying Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goal of this scheme is to establish designated trauma centers at 100 km intervals along National Highways. This initiative is a strategic response to the rise in accidental deaths, which can indeed be prevented with appropriate and timely medical intervention.
The Global Burden of Disease Project by WHO
According to the “Global Burden of Disease Project” spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents (RTA) are responsible for over 1.27 million fatalities annually. The study further highlights that road traffic injuries consistently emerge as one of the top three causes of death for individuals in the age group of 5-44 years.
The research instills the urgency to adopt immediate corrective actions as, without them, it’s estimated that road deaths could become the fifth leading cause of death by 2030, leading to an estimated 2.4 million deaths per year.
Disproportionate Road Fatalities Around the Globe
An alarming statistic revealed by the project is the disproportionate number of road fatalities between countries with different income levels. Over 90% of global road fatalities occur in low-income and middle-income nations, which only possess 48% of the world’s total vehicles.
Road Traffic Accidents: A Major Concern for India
Accidental injuries rank high among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in India. Despite having only one per cent of global vehicles, India accounts for a staggering six per cent of total road accidents.
Key Facts and Figures
| Fact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Road traffic deaths annually (Global) | 1.27 million |
| Estimated road deaths by 2030 (Global) | 2.4 million |
| Road fatalities in low & middle income countries | 90% |
| Road accidents in India (% of Global) | 6% |
| Vehicle ownership in India (% of Global) | 1% |
The Intervention: Trauma Care Facilities on National Highways
The establishment of trauma care facilities along the National Highways is a step in the right direction. This initiative from the Government of India aims to become a game-changer in the fight against the increasing menace of road accidents, working towards the vision of a safer and healthier India.
