Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has introduced a groundbreaking ‘Cashless Treatment’ scheme for road accident victims, aimed at providing immediate financial relief and access to medical care during the critical ‘golden hour.’ This initiative, set to be implemented nationwide by March 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing fatalities.
Under this scheme, road accident victims will be eligible for cashless treatment worth up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum of seven days. The scheme applies to all road accidents involving motor vehicles across various types of roads in the country.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Immediate Relief for Victims: Accident victims will receive cashless treatment for injuries sustained, ensuring timely medical care without financial hurdles.
- Ex-Gratia Payment for Hit-and-Run Cases: Families of deceased hit-and-run victims will receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh.
- Mandatory Reporting: To qualify for the benefits, accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours.
Addressing the Alarming Rise in Road Fatalities
India has witnessed an alarming rise in road accident fatalities, with approximately 1.80 lakh deaths reported in 2024 alone. Gadkari emphasized that the scheme aims to save at least 50,000 lives annually by ensuring victims receive timely medical attention during the golden hour—the critical period immediately following an accident.
Collaboration and Implementation
The government has collaborated with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurance companies, and police authorities, to streamline the implementation process. Experts from The George Institute for Global Health have welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of investing in pre-hospital emergency care to strengthen the system further.
A Step Towards Safer Roads
This cashless treatment scheme reflects the government’s proactive approach to tackling the challenges of road safety and accident management. By alleviating the financial burden on accident victims and their families, it promises to be a significant step toward safer and more compassionate road systems in India.
The government hopes that this initiative, combined with stricter road safety measures, will contribute to reducing fatalities and ensuring better outcomes for accident victims nationwide.