Writing to save lives

Everyday, road accidents and other emergencies lead to loss of life and property which is much higher than the loss due to war or terrorists’ attacks. A method to save over a million lives every year and prevent the associated damages has been put into practice in Andhra Pradesh. The Emergency Management and Research System in Hyderabad integrates multiple agencies to provide a quick and comprehensive emergency response. People can call a toll free number — 108 — either from a fixed or a mobile phone. This enables the timely arrival of an ambulance. This programme has been launched in all the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh including rural areas, and is equipped with 380 ambulances. To date over 11,500 precious lives have been saved and the average response time has been reduced to 36 minutes.

India needs a national emergency service mission to save the lives of over one million people a year. Journalists can play a very important role in realising this mission by effectively articulating all aspects suitably to all the possible stake holders of the programme and quantifying the benefits which can accrue to society.

For future’s sake

Journalism can be an effective tool for economic and political development of the nation. The media have a tremendous impact on the minds of the younger generation and anything other than courageous, truthful and positive journalism would strike at the very root of the future of a healthy younger generation on whom the future of the nation depends.

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