Life First, No Bill, Just Care: India Launches Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accidents.

"Timely treatment saves lives. With this scheme, no one has to choose between cost and care." 

In a landmark move to strengthen emergency healthcare across the country, the Government of India has officially notified the Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims, 2025. Effective from May 5, 2025, the scheme ensures that any person injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle is entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh, irrespective of their financial background or insurance status.

Announced through a gazette notification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the scheme aims to offer immediate financial relief and lifesaving medical care to accident victims within the crucial first week after an accident. The National Health Authority (NHA) has been appointed as the central implementing agency, working in close coordination with police departments, designated hospitals, and State Health Agencies.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Eligibility: Any person injured in a road accident involving a motor vehicle, on any road across the country.

• Coverage Amount: Up to ₹1.5 lakh per person per accident.

• Treatment Duration: Coverage is valid for up to 7 days from the date of the accident.

• Designated Hospitals: Victims can avail full treatment at designated hospitals. Non-designated hospitals may only provide stabilization care as per guidelines.

• State Implementation: Each state and Union Territory will have its own State Road Safety Council as the nodal agency to implement the scheme locally and liaise with NHA.

• Digital Portal: A centralized portal will be used for onboarding hospitals, tracking treatment, and facilitating payments.

• Monitoring: A central steering committee will be established to oversee the scheme’s execution and ensure accountability.

  
  

This national rollout follows the successful pilot project launched by MoRTH on March 14, 2024, which tested the feasibility of providing cashless care to road traffic accident victims.

The initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing trauma care, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for citizens, and potentially saving thousands of lives every year by ensuring timely medical intervention without financial hesitation. Source - The Hindu