India records nearly five lakh road accidents every year, resulting in around 1.8 lakh deaths. Medical experts believe that a large number of these fatalities could be prevented if accident victims received timely and proper treatment. However, one of the biggest challenges after a road accident is arranging money for emergency medical care. In many cases, victims or their families struggle to arrange funds quickly, and this delay often becomes the difference between life and death.
To address this long-standing issue, the central government is set to roll out a nationwide Cashless Treatment Scheme for road accident victims. The initiative aims to ensure that injured persons receive immediate medical attention without worrying about treatment costs during the most critical hours after an accident.
PM Modi to Launch the Nationwide Scheme
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon formally launch the Cashless Treatment Scheme across the country. The program has already been tested as a pilot project in select regions and is now ready for full-scale implementation nationwide.
According to Gadkari, the main objective of this scheme is to reduce deaths caused by the lack of timely medical care after road accidents. During a recent review meeting, the government also discussed key issues related to road safety, passenger convenience, and improvements in vehicle regulations. The new scheme is expected to become a major step toward strengthening India’s emergency healthcare response system for accident victims.
Which Accidents Will Be Covered?
The Cashless Treatment Scheme will apply to all road accidents involving motor vehicles. The type of road—whether national highway, state highway, or local road—will not matter. If a motor vehicle is involved in the accident, the injured person will be eligible for free treatment under the scheme.
This means victims will not be required to pay any money upfront for emergency medical services. Hospitals will be able to provide treatment immediately, ensuring that financial barriers do not delay critical care.
Financial Support of Up to ₹1.5 Lakh
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways first launched the pilot version of this scheme in Chandigarh in March 2024. It was later expanded to six states to test its effectiveness and operational framework. Based on the results of this pilot project, the government has decided to extend the scheme across the entire country.
Under the new policy, each road accident victim will be entitled to cashless treatment for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident. During this period, medical expenses of up to ₹1.5 lakh per accident will be fully covered.
This includes emergency services such as ambulance support, hospital admission, surgery, medicines, and other essential medical procedures required during the initial treatment phase.
Impact of the Pilot Project
Government reports indicate that since the pilot scheme began in March 2024, a total of ₹73.88 lakh has already been spent on the treatment of road accident victims under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. This early success has demonstrated that the scheme can make a real difference in saving lives and reducing the burden on families facing sudden medical emergencies.
With nationwide implementation, the program is expected to benefit thousands of people every year and significantly improve survival rates in serious road accidents.
Why This Scheme Is Crucial
One of the biggest reasons for preventable deaths after road accidents is the lack of immediate financial support for treatment. In many cases, victims are either alone or accompanied by bystanders who hesitate to take them to hospitals due to uncertainty over medical expenses. This new scheme removes that hesitation by guaranteeing free treatment for a fixed period.
It also supports the broader goal of improving India’s road safety ecosystem by ensuring that healthcare and emergency response systems work together efficiently.
A Step Toward Safer Roads and Faster Care
Experts believe that the Cashless Treatment Scheme will strengthen trust in emergency medical services and encourage quicker hospital admissions for accident victims. It also sends a strong message that saving lives takes priority over financial procedures during emergencies.
As the scheme is rolled out nationwide, hospitals, traffic authorities, and emergency services will work in coordination to ensure smooth execution. The government has advised citizens to stay informed through official notifications and updates regarding the operational details of the scheme.
Looking Ahead
With the formal launch of the Cashless Treatment Scheme, India is taking a significant step toward reducing road accident fatalities and providing dignity and security to victims during their most vulnerable moments. If implemented effectively, the initiative has the potential to transform emergency healthcare access for millions and create a more humane and responsive accident care system across the country.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official announcements and media reports regarding the proposed Cashless Treatment Scheme for road accident victims. Details may be updated by authorities from time to time. Readers are advised to rely on official government notifications for final guidelines and implementation procedures.
