Will Road Accident Victims Receive Rs 1.5 Lakh Cashless Medical Care for the First 7 Days?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking announcement, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled a cashless treatment initiative for road accident victims, providing up to Rs 1.5 lakh for immediate medical care. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers to urgent treatment and improve response times with specialized ambulances. The government's commitment to road safety is stronger than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Cashless medical treatment for road accident victims up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days.
- Government facilitating payments for immediate treatment.
- Specialized ambulances to arrive within ten minutes.
- 'Rah-Veer' scheme to reward good Samaritans.
- Commitment to reduce road traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced to the Rajya Sabha the enhancement of a cashless medical treatment initiative for those affected by road accidents.
Individuals involved in accidents will receive cashless medical assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person for the first seven days of hospitalization, with the government facilitating the financial aspect to ensure prompt treatment. This was revealed in response to a question during the session.
The initiative, which began in selected areas and is now being implemented nationwide, aims to provide immediate care without upfront payment through partnerships with state governments. Additionally, the minister mentioned ongoing efforts to develop a model that ensures specialized ambulances can arrive at accident scenes within ten minutes.
He also highlighted plans for a centralized emergency helpline that will be integrated with improved ambulance services.
Through collaborations with state authorities, modern ambulances will be deployed to reach accident locations swiftly, with a focus on achieving response times of 10 minutes in crucial regions, he stated.
Under the 'Rah-Veer' initiative, introduced earlier in 2025, commendable individuals who help transport accident victims to hospitals will receive the title 'Rahaveer' along with a cash reward of Rs 25,000, a significant increase from the previous Rs 5,000, the minister informed the assembly.
This program aims to encourage bystander assistance during the vital 'golden hour' following an accident.
Furthermore, the minister noted that specialized ambulances will be equipped with tools necessary for scenarios where vehicles fall into gorges, addressing the limitations faced by paramedics without such equipment.
The Central government is set to establish MoUs for these specialized ambulances and will cover the expenses, provided they can arrive within ten minutes.
Minister Gadkari emphasized that timely medical intervention could prevent approximately 50,000 road accident fatalities annually in India, referencing a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
To minimize delays in emergency care, a key contributor to many deaths, the minister announced improvements to existing programs that encourage public engagement and ensure immediate treatment.
Gadkari characterized road safety as a “very serious issue” and reaffirmed the government's dedication to achieving the global goal of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries by 50 percent by 2030, in line with the Stockholm Declaration. Complementary actions include implementing stricter vehicle safety regulations (like star ratings), enhanced enforcement, and holding contractors accountable for the quality of roads.
Point of View
The recent announcement by Minister Nitin Gadkari represents a significant step forward in enhancing road safety measures and addressing the critical issue of timely medical intervention for accident victims. This initiative shows a proactive approach by the government to tackle one of the leading causes of preventable fatalities and highlights the importance of public involvement in ensuring immediate care.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cashless medical care amount for road accident victims?
Victims are entitled to cashless medical care of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per individual for the first seven days of hospitalization.
How will the government facilitate payments for this initiative?
The government will remove financial barriers to ensure immediate treatment by facilitating payments directly.
What is the 'Rah-Veer' scheme?
The 'Rah-Veer' scheme honors good Samaritans who assist accident victims by transporting them to hospitals with a cash reward.
What improvements are being made to ambulance services?
The government is working on ensuring specialized ambulances can reach accident sites within ten minutes.
What is the goal for reducing road traffic deaths?
The government's goal is to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 percent by 2030, as per the Stockholm Declaration.
