Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced the launch of a pilot scheme aimed at providing cashless medical treatment for road accident victims. The initiative, currently underway in Chandigarh and Assam, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Health Authority (NHA).

Under the new scheme, eligible victims of road accidents will receive Health Benefit Packages for trauma and polytrauma care at hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The scheme covers treatment costs up to Rs. 1.5 lakh for a maximum of 7 days from the date of the accident.

This pilot program is administered under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, established under Section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The scheme’s income sources and utilization are outlined in the Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022.

The NHA, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is responsible for the program’s execution. They coordinate with local police, empanelled hospitals, the State Health Agency, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council to ensure smooth implementation.

The program supports victims regardless of where the accident occurs, aligning with the mandates of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety and victim support in India.