Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 6: In a landmark step towards improving emergency healthcare, the Government of India has rolled out a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims, offering medical care worth up to Rs 1.5 lac without any upfront payment.

Effective from May 5, 2025, the initiative aims to ensure that accident victims receive timely, no-cost treatment, thereby eliminating delays caused by financial constraints.

According to a gazette notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the scheme applies to any person injured in a road accident anywhere in the country.

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Victims can avail themselves of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals for a period of up to seven days from the date of the accident. The scheme is a life-saving measure, especially in critical situations where swift treatment is vital.

Working of the scheme

The National Health Authority (NHA) will implement the scheme in coordination with police, hospitals, and State Health Agencies. If the victim is admitted to a non-empanelled hospital, the facility is required to provide initial stabilisation care before transferring the patient to a designated hospital under the scheme.

Each State and Union Territory has a Road Safety Council functioning as the nodal agency to onboard hospitals, oversee patient records, and manage payment settlements with healthcare providers.

Who oversees the scheme?

To ensure effective monitoring, the Centre has set up a steering committee led by the Road Secretary. It includes members from the NHA, Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, Health, selected states, as well as insurance firms and non-governmental organisations.

The scheme builds upon a pilot project launched in March 2024 and underscores the government’s broader agenda of road safety and equitable healthcare access.

How to avail the govt’s cashless treatment scheme

• Seek immediate medical attention: Visit a designated hospital under the scheme. Lists are available with the State Road Safety Council or NHA portal.

• Inform police: A police report is crucial for claim processing.

• No upfront charges: Treatment up to Rs 1.5 lac will be provided without any direct payment. The hospital will claim the expenses from the NHA.

• Documentation: Preserve medical reports, bills, and the FIR for any future requirements.

• Follow-up treatment: The scheme covers treatment for up to seven days. Beyond this, other insurance or healthcare avenues must be pursued.

This initiative marks a significant leap in emergency response infrastructure and could prove vital in saving thousands of lives each year on India’s roads.