Free Medical Treatment for Road Accident Victims in India

In a groundbreaking announcement, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport, revealed that India will soon offer free cashless medical treatment for victims of road accidents. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance to those injured in accidents, addressing a crucial gap in emergency healthcare.

The scheme was piloted in Chandigarh and Assam and, according to Gadkari, is set to be rolled out across the country shortly. The intention is to ensure that individuals affected by road accidents receive timely medical care without the burden of upfront costs.

Currently, India ranks highest in the world for road accident fatalities. In 2022 alone, about 1.68 lakh people lost their lives due to road mishaps. These staggering numbers prompted the Indian government to introduce this life-saving initiative.

Under the new scheme, victims of road accidents can avail treatment expenses up to ₹1.5 lakh within a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident. This approach emphasizes the importance of the ‘Golden Hour,’ the critical time during which prompt medical intervention can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes.

The funding for the cashless treatment will be provided through the Motor Vehicle Act’s Section 164B, which allocates resources from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. The National Health Authority (NHA) will be responsible for implementing this scheme nationwide.

Moreover, NHA plans to coordinate with local police, hospitals, and health organizations to streamline the process and ensure victims receive the care they need without delay. The aim is to improve the overall emergency response system for road accidents across the country.