Cashless treatment for victims of road accidents
Context:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated a pilot scheme to provide cashless treatment for victims of road accidents caused by motor vehicles.
- This scheme, implemented in Chandigarh and Assam, is in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key Highlights:
- Pilot Scheme Launch: The scheme is currently being piloted in Chandigarh and Assam.
- Cashless Treatment: Eligible road accident victims receive cashless trauma and polytrauma care at empanelled hospitals.
- Coverage Limit: The scheme covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of the accident.
- Administrative Framework: The scheme is administered under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, constituted under Section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and funded as per the Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022.
- Collaborative Implementation: NHA, along with local police, empanelled hospitals, State Health Agency, National Informatics Centre, and General Insurance Council, is responsible for the program’s implementation.
- Universal Support: The scheme provides support irrespective of the accident’s location, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Significance:
- Immediate Medical Assistance: Ensures timely and adequate medical treatment for road accident victims, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of injuries.
- Financial Relief: Offers significant financial support to accident victims and their families by covering treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh.
- Streamlined Process: Simplifies and accelerates the medical care process through cashless transactions, reducing the burden on victims and their families.
- Pilot to Nationwide Implementation: Successful implementation of the pilot scheme in Chandigarh and Assam could lead to a nationwide rollout, enhancing road safety and emergency medical care across India.
- Collaborative Effort: Demonstrates effective coordination between multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and local authorities, to address road accident trauma comprehensively.
