Road accidents are not merely a traffic issue; they represent a critical public health crisis. Every year, thousands of families are devastated by these tragedies. The only way to combat this is through preventive measures and widespread public awareness.
With this objective, a grand Road Safety Awareness Workshop was organized at the Regional Mental Hospital, Thane. This initiative was led by the Suraksha Abhiyan Trust in collaboration with the Public Health Department and the Public Works Department (PWD). The workshop was attended by officers, the nursing cadre, and health workers from across the Thane district. The event was also supported by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Leadership and Key Insights
The workshop was conducted under the able leadership of Dr. Ashok Nandapurkar (Hon. Deputy Director, Health Services, Mumbai). Under his guidance, the session firmly established that “Road safety is essentially pre-hospital healthcare.”
The event saw the distinguished presence of PWD officials, Mr. Sachin Patil (Executive Engineer, PWD No. 1, Thane) and Mr. Sanjeev Wankhede (Sub-Divisional Engineer). They provided in-depth insights into safe road infrastructure, the identification of accident-prone zones (black spots), and preventive engineering measures.
Valuable guidance was also provided by Dr. Kailas Pawar (Civil Surgeon, Thane) and Dr. Netaji Mulik (Medical Superintendent, Regional Mental Hospital, Thane). Additionally, the presence of Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mamta Alaspurkar and Class-1 Psychiatrist Dr. Archana Gadkari ensured that critical topics such as mental health, post-accident trauma, and rehabilitation were given special attention.
Interactive Learning and Engagement
The workshop began with a welcome song, setting a positive tone. Moving away from traditional lectures, the session ensured active engagement through role-plays, group activities, expert talks, live demonstrations, and open discussions.
Dr. Vilas Pawar (Senior Journalist & Founder, Suraksha Abhiyan Trust) highlighted the social causes behind road accidents and the pivotal role of the media.
Adv. Virat Pawar (Secretary, Suraksha Abhiyan Trust) clarified the legal aspects, the responsibilities of citizens, and the vital importance of public awareness.
Voices of Authority
Dr. Ashok Nandapurkar: “Road safety is the very first step of public health.”
Dr. Kailas Pawar: “Preventing road accidents is a service far greater than curing them.”
Dr. Netaji Mulik: “Behind every accident is a family; road safety is the protection of humanity itself.”
Mr. Sachin Patil: “Safe roads are not just about construction; they are a life-saving responsibility.”
Dr. Vilas Pawar: “Road accidents are the result of negligence, not fate. Awareness is the only true vaccine.”
Adv. Virat Pawar: “Health workers learned today so that society can be saved tomorrow—that is the true success story of this workshop.”
Conclusion
The workshop witnessed a 100% attendance rate from staff nurses and health workers, with the auditorium packed to capacity. The spontaneous response, active participation in Q&A sessions, and positive feedback made this event highly successful, effective, and exemplary.
This workshop was not just a standalone program but a significant milestone in the journey toward building a conscious and vigilant society dedicated to road safety.
