Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has introduced a nationwide cashless treatment scheme to aid road accident victims. This initiative builds on a pilot program launched in March 2024 in Chandigarh, later expanded to Assam, Punjab, Haryana, and Puducherry. The program focuses on providing medical assistance during the critical “golden hour” after an accident.
Key Features of the Scheme:
1. Free Treatment for Victims:
The government will bear treatment costs if accidents are reported to the police within 24 hours. Treatment coverage extends to trauma and polytrauma cases at hospitals accredited under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The scheme offers up to ₹1.5 lakh per incident, covering up to seven days from the accident date.
2. Implementation and Technology:
The program integrates with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) application and the National Health Authority’s (NHA) Transaction Management System. The NHA will collaborate with police, hospitals, and state health authorities to ensure smooth execution.
3. Compensation for Hit-and-Run Cases:
Victims’ families will receive ₹2 lakhs in fatal hit-and-run cases.
4. Road Safety Concerns:
Gadkari highlighted alarming road safety statistics from 2024, stating that 1.80 lakh people died in accidents, including 30,000 fatalities due to not wearing helmets. About 66% of these accidents involved individuals aged 18 to 34. Additionally, he mentioned the tragic loss of 10,000 children near educational institutions due to inadequate safety measures at entry and exit points.
Additional Initiatives:
- Good Samaritan Scheme:
Citizens who save accident victims during the golden hour will receive a ₹5,000 reward for their timely action. - Workshops on Road Safety:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently hosted a workshop on January 6–7, 2025, to address challenges in improving road safety and transport systems in India.
Importance of the Scheme:
This initiative aims to improve emergency medical response and reduce fatalities caused by delayed treatment. The updated system is expected to be fully operational by March 2025, signaling a significant step toward road safety and public welfare.
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