Union Government Launches Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims
The Union government’s recent notification of a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims marks a significant step towards enhancing emergency medical care in India. Under this initiative, individuals injured in road accidents will be eligible for cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person, covering medical expenses for up to seven days from the date of the accident. This scheme is particularly crucial as it addresses the “golden hour,” which refers to the critical first hour following an injury when prompt medical treatment can significantly increase survival rates.
Effective from May 5, 2025, the scheme allows victims to receive treatment at any designated hospital across the country. The implementation will be overseen by the National Health Authority (NHA), which will collaborate with state authorities, police, empanelled hospitals, and state health agencies. Claims for reimbursement will be processed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, which is financed by both general insurance companies and the Union government.
The establishment of this scheme follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which had previously criticized the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for delays in creating a statutory framework as mandated by Section 162(2) of the Motor Vehicle Act. This section emphasizes the need for a cashless treatment scheme to uphold the right to life as per Article 21 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s involvement highlights the urgency and necessity of timely medical intervention for accident victims.
Despite the preparation of a draft concept note, there were delays in finalizing and notifying the scheme, leading to judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court expressed serious concerns over these delays, labeling them as a breach of statutory obligations, and emphasized that the scheme must be implemented without further hindrance.
During recent court proceedings, the General Insurance Council (GIC) faced criticism for raising objections that were perceived as obstructive to the scheme’s implementation. The court firmly stated that such objections should not impede the rollout of a plan aimed at saving lives, ultimately allowing GIC to withdraw its application.
With a budget allocation of Rs 272 crore for FY25-26, as announced by MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari, the government appears committed to ensuring that this scheme becomes operational, potentially transforming the landscape of emergency medical assistance for road accident victims across India.
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