VIJAYAWADA, April 16: State Minister for Medical, Health and Family Welfare Y. Satyakumar Yadav on Thursday stressed that timely medical intervention in the critical first hour following a road accident could significantly improve the chances of saving lives, and called for collective responsibility in making Andhra Pradesh a accident-free State.

The Minister was speaking at a State-level stakeholders' consultation on the PM RAHAT — Pradhan Mantri Road Accident Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment — scheme, held at the Dr. NTR Health University auditorium here. He described the Central government's scheme as playing a pivotal role in ensuring that accident victims receive emergency medical care without financial burden, offering cashless treatment up to Rs. 1.50 lakh with no requirement of advance payment.

Underlining the need for seamless coordination among all departments for the effective implementation of the scheme across the State, the Minister called upon hospitals, ambulance services, police, and other concerned agencies to work in close tandem to ensure that victims receive immediate assistance. He directed officials to create widespread public awareness about the scheme and emphasised that every hospital must have a thorough understanding of its provisions.

Expressing concern over the toll that road accidents take on families, the Minister noted that the loss of a breadwinner not only devastates a household financially but also jeopardises the future of children. He identified overspeeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, black spots on roads, and vehicles crossing dividers unexpectedly as the primary causes of accidents in the State.

The Minister said that the Golden Hour protocol was being effectively implemented through the 108 ambulance service, with the success rate of saving lives during the critical first hour having improved considerably compared to earlier. He also highlighted the ongoing implementation of the STEMI programme for cardiac emergencies, through which thousands of lives had been saved. He further informed that 14 Critical Care Blocks had been constructed across the State, with work on additional blocks under way.

18,380 Road Accidents Recorded in 2025

Medical and Health Department Principal Secretary Saurabh Gaur revealed that approximately 18,380 road accidents were recorded in the State in 2025, the majority of which occurred on National and State Highways and major roads. Overspeeding was identified as the primary cause, accounting for 79 per cent of all accidents, with wrong-side driving, drunk driving, and mobile phone use also cited as significant contributing factors. The highest number of accidents were recorded between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., he said.

He added that the government was integrating public and private hospitals to ensure emergency medical care during the Golden Hour, and that Trauma Care Centres were being established at every 100-kilometre interval to improve accessibility of medical services.

130 Black Spots Identified in NTR District

NTR District Collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha said that approximately 130 accident-prone black spots had been identified in the district, with special measures being taken at 27 critical locations. The district administration has set a target of reducing accidents by 50 per cent over the next year. He also spoke of efforts to encourage Good Samaritans — citizens who voluntarily transport accident victims to hospitals — and said that monthly road safety committee meetings were being held to strengthen inter-departmental coordination.

The event was attended by Traffic DCP N. Suryachandraro, Joint Transport Commissioner S. Venkateswara Rao, Director of Medical Education Dr. Raghanandana Rao, and representatives of various hospitals.

Visakhapatnam ( Journalist File ) : Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reiterated the state government's firm stance against the ganja trade, asserting that a "strong crackdown" is underway to curb its rampant spread. Speaking to the media after inaugurating a new road accident victim assistance center and a police station at Arilova in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Anitha outlined various law enforcement measures being implemented across the state.

Anitha said that the government, led by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), is paying special attention to the development of police infrastructure. "The importance of police stations, just like temples and schools, cannot be overstated," she remarked, highlighting that the Chief Minister has made the development of police services a priority. She also emphasized that the police department is now undergoing a significant transformation, starting from scratch to improve its capabilities.

The Home Minister also lauded the ongoing efforts to assist road accident victims in Visakhapatnam. A toll-free helpline, 7995095793, has been established to provide immediate support, and the central government is actively involved in helping accident victims. Anitha added that changes to insurance policies for accident victims are being reviewed to ensure smoother assistance.

The Arilova police station, which was initiated in 2018 under the leadership of former Home Minister Chinnarajappa, was formally inaugurated under the current government, marking a significant milestone in improving law enforcement facilities in the region.

Addressing concerns regarding traffic violations, particularly involving auto-rickshaws, Anitha announced that training programs are being conducted for auto drivers to enhance their compliance with traffic rules. She also noted a surge in social media activity, with tweets and reports surfacing as opposition figures, particularly from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), come under scrutiny for alleged involvement in various crimes. She specifically accused YSRCP leaders, including Vijay Sai Reddy and V. V. Subba Reddy, of having links to illegal activities, calling Vijay Sai Reddy an individual of "no moral values."

On the topic of alleged corruption in the Kakinada port issue, Anitha claimed that the YSRCP leadership has been intimidating officials and attempting to manipulate investigations. She further revealed that the CBI is investigating illegal rice transportation activities.

The Home Minister also pointed out that the police department has been functioning well, with a dedicated focus on addressing land encroachments, particularly those involving YSRCP leaders. She cited instances of illegal activities involving former MP A. M. V. Satyanarayana in Visakhapatnam. Anitha noted that under the previous administration, police stations were poorly managed, but the current government has taken significant steps to rectify these issues.

In an effort to enhance security, the state government is installing CCTV cameras in cities and deploying drone cameras to detect and destroy ganja plantations. The EAGLE system, which aims to strengthen surveillance, has already begun operations, according to the Home Minister.

Anitha concluded by praising the police department for its continued efforts and stressed that the government will remain committed to maintaining law and order, ensuring that the safety and security of the people remain a top priority.