New Delhi: In a significant move to improve the treatment of road accident victims, the government has rolled out a nationwide cashless treatment scheme offering up to Rs 1.5 lakh in coverage for each victim, per accident. This treatment will be available at designated hospitals within seven days of the incident, as announced in a recent notification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The scheme applies to all individuals who fall victim to road accidents involving motor vehicles, irrespective of class or category. The Ministry clarified that victims can avail of cashless treatment for medical expenses up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person, for a maximum of seven days from the accident date. However, treatment at hospitals not included in the scheme will be restricted to stabilization measures, as outlined in the guidelines.
The National Health Authority (NHA) will oversee the implementation of this scheme, working in partnership with police departments, hospitals, and State Health Agencies. In each state and Union Territory, the State Road Safety Council will be the primary body responsible for executing the program, including onboarding hospitals, coordinating victim treatment, and ensuring payment processes to hospitals via a dedicated portal.
A central steering committee will be formed by the government to supervise and ensure the effective execution of this nationwide initiative. The cashless treatment scheme is seen as a crucial step in enhancing emergency medical care for road accident victims across the country.
