In a pioneering move to enhance emergency healthcare for road accident victims, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched a pilot scheme offering cashless treatment. This initiative, currently being implemented in Chandigarh and Assam, aims to provide immediate medical care without financial burden, thanks to a collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA).
Scheme Details and Coverage
Under this innovative scheme, victims of road accidents involving motor vehicles on any type of road are eligible for cashless treatment. The program is integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and offers Health Benefit Packages focusing on trauma and polytrauma care. These packages are available at empanelled hospitals and cover medical expenses up to ₹1.5 lakh for a period of seven days from the date of the accident.
Implementation Framework
The cashless treatment initiative operates under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, established in accordance with section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022, delineate the sources of income and the utilization of this fund. The NHA, which functions under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, coordinates with various stakeholders including local police, empanelled hospitals, State Health Agencies, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council to ensure the smooth execution of this scheme.
Pilot Program Objectives
Launched as a pilot in Chandigarh and Assam, this scheme is designed to extend support to road accident victims irrespective of where the accident occurs. The objective is to provide timely and efficient medical care, thereby reducing fatalities and serious injuries resulting from road accidents. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety and emergency healthcare services across the country.
Official Announcement
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced this significant development in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He highlighted the scheme’s potential to revolutionize emergency medical response and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in improving the overall safety and well-being of road users in India.
Future Prospects
If successful, this pilot program could pave the way for a nationwide rollout, ensuring that all road accident victims across India receive immediate and cashless medical treatment. This would not only save lives but also alleviate the financial stress on victims and their families, fostering a more resilient and supportive healthcare infrastructure in the country.
