govt-launches-cashless-treatment-scheme-for-accident-victims

The government of India has introduced a cashless treatment scheme for victims of road accidents involving motor vehicles, with pilot implementations now underway in Chandigarh and Assam.

 

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the scheme in a written reply during a Lok Sabha session on Thursday.

 

Under this initiative, eligible victims will receive health benefit packages focusing on trauma and polytrauma care at empanelled hospitals affiliated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPM-JAY).

 

The scheme provides coverage up to Rs 1.5 lakh for a maximum duration of seven days from the date of the accident.

 

Gadkari elaborated that this scheme is being executed in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) and is part of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, established under Section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

 

The initiative aims to ensure immediate medical support for victims, irrespective of the location of the accident, aligning with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

 

The NHA, in conjunction with local police, empanelled hospitals, state health agencies, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council, is responsible for the program's implementation.

 

"This cashless treatment scheme is a significant step towards providing timely medical assistance to road accident victims, alleviating the financial burden on them and their families," Gadkari stated, highlighting the government's commitment to improving road safety and emergency care.