‘Road traffic injuries are a growing health issue’

‘Road traffic injuries are a growing health issue’

1. The Health Ministry has released a communication material on prevention and First Aid for road traffic injuries.
2. Road traffic injuries have become a major public health issue in India, accounting for 1.47 lakh deaths in 2017.
3. It has significant impacts like a) loss of economically productive young people which reflects on family and national economy, b) financial burden on families due to prolonged medical care, c) strain on healthcare finance and infrastructure and d) psychological effects.
4. The Health Ministry has been implementing ‘National Programme for Trauma Care’. It focuses on pre-hospital, hospital and rehabilitative services for injury victims. Under the programme, Trauma Care Facilities in the existing government Hospitals, near the State and National Highway are strengthened.