Helping others isn’t an offense any more
More people die in road accidents than in wars. Highways are the death beds. And India is known for its killer roads. Tragedy is, one need not be in a vehicle or drive one to be an accident victim. As per the data available, on an average 56 pedestrians die every year on or by the roads. This number has increased manifold from 2014 to 2017, by a good 66 per cent. Number of vehicle commuters who died on the roads are even higher than this. More than a lakh and half people died on the roads in 2016 in about 5 lakh accidents.
The main reason for post-accident deaths is not the nature of the injury or the breaking of traffic rules, but the delay or non-availability of medical care for the injured persons. Since emergency care is almost unavailable, most injured die before they are taken to the hospital or even before treatment commences. Though some people would like to help the injured, they feel discouraged because they would be forced to appear in court to give testimony of the accident or the aftermath. The long drawn legal process where they’d be made party just because they played the good Samaritan would be of most harrowing experience in today’s world. In a way, deaths are increasing in today’s world owing to the defeat of humanity.
Karnataka govt has initiated a very significant step in this direction. President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent to a bill that would ensure legal protection to the good Samaritans in the state who help accidents victims with emergency medical care within the 'golden hour'. Named the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency Situations) Bill, 2016 this would also keep those who come to assist the injured from being involved in a legal tangle or be expected to repeatedly visit the police stations over their good act. This would help people come forward to help people who may be lying injured in need of immediate help. Because to watch a person die on the road is the most painful experience for anybody who would like to help.
To blame people of being inhuman is not the complete truth. People hesitate from helping because they fear they’d be caught in an endless legal battle of having to appear in court or give their statement at the hospital and police station (repeatedly) over a medico-legal case involving road accidents. The others who never initiate to help the injured would be busy recording the whole thing on their mobiles and releasing it on social media to get more views and traffic to their video. The good Samaritan suffers at the end. There are cases of people taking the injured to a few particular hospitals of their preference and then fleece the injured of their money. They work hand in glove with private hospitals to ensure the accident survivor is not taken to a government hospital but to a private one to aid business to the agencies. One should not be surprised to see police sharing this network nexus with fleecing parties.
The new bill supports genuine souls who would want to get the injured to hospital and stay free from legal tangles. Earlier, those who rushed the injured to the hospital would have to wait till the police arrived on the scene to record their statement. They had to give their phone number and address. Now this bill would enable the helper to leave at his convenience, liberating him from the compulsions of having reveal his address or wait till the police arrive. More than anything else, the state government would help the good Samaritan with some financial benefits for his humane act. If he/she is required to appear in the court, their costs would be covered for that time. This will, most certainly, bring down the number of deaths that happen due to non-availability of medical help during the golden hour. And it is indeed a proud moment for the state since Karnataka would be taking the lead in this. Ours is the first state to introduce the bill among all other states in the country.
Like in most cases, Karnataka has taken a step towards saving lives by way of ensuring law aids this, and does not block the possibility of saving lives. Way to go!
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
