National: In a significant move aimed at providing immediate relief to road accident victims, a new cashless treatment scheme has been implemented across India, effective from May 5, 2025.
This landmark initiative ensures that individuals injured in road accidents can access necessary medical care without the immediate burden of payment, up to a limit of ₹1.5 lakh per person per accident.
The scheme, officially notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), guarantees cashless treatment to any person involved in a road accident involving a motor vehicle on any road in the country. This provision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring timely medical assistance for accident victims, regardless of their financial status at the time of the incident.
The National Health Authority (NHA) has been designated as the central implementing agency for this crucial programme. The NHA will work in close coordination with various stakeholders, including the police, hospitals, and State Health Agencies, to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of the scheme.
Under the provisions of the scheme, accident victims can avail cashless treatment at any designated hospital for a maximum amount of ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a period of up to seven days from the date of the accident. This immediate financial support aims to stabilize the condition of the injured and provide essential initial medical care.
The notification further clarifies that treatment received at a hospital that is not specifically designated under the scheme will be limited to stabilization purposes, with the specifics outlined in the scheme’s guidelines. This ensures that even in cases where victims are taken to the nearest medical facility, they receive the necessary immediate care.
To facilitate the implementation at the state and union territory level, the State Road Safety Council will act as the nodal agency. These councils will be responsible for coordinating with the National Health Authority for various critical tasks, including the onboarding of designated hospitals, the treatment of victims, and the processing of payments to the hospitals.
Furthermore, the central government will establish a steering committee to oversee the implementation of the scheme, ensuring its effectiveness and addressing any challenges that may arise. This nationwide rollout follows a successful pilot programme launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on March 14, 2024, indicating a thorough evaluation and refinement of the cashless treatment approach before its full-scale implementation.
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