Centre Notifies ₹1.5 Lakh Free Treatment Plan for Crash Victims

In a landmark move to improve emergency healthcare access and reduce road accident fatalities, the Central Government has officially notified the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025. The scheme aims to provide immediate, cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims across India, covering the first seven days after an incident. Effective from May 5, 2025, this initiative is a crucial step toward inclusive and accessible trauma care on Indian roads.

Why in News?

On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the long-awaited scheme that promises nationwide cashless treatment for victims of road accidents. The move follows Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s earlier announcement in January 2025 about modifying and launching this life-saving programme. With India witnessing one of the highest road accident fatality rates globally, the scheme is a significant government intervention for public health and safety.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Name: Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025
• Launch Date: May 5, 2025
• Coverage Limit: Up to ₹1.5 lakh per person per accident
• Time Frame: Cashless treatment for 7 days post-accident
• Eligibility: Any individual injured in a motor vehicle-related road accident on any road in India
• Hospital Network: Designated hospitals; non-designated hospitals may provide stabilization care only

Implementation Agencies

• Nodal Agency: National Health Authority (NHA)

Coordination with,

• Police departments
• Designated hospitals
• State Health Agencies (SHA)
• Transport departments

Objective of the Scheme

• To ensure immediate and affordable trauma care for road accident victims
• To reduce mortality due to delays in treatment and financial barriers
• To build a standardised emergency response framework nationwide

Background

• India accounts for over 1.5 lakh road accident deaths annually
• Nitin Gadkari previously highlighted the need for unified trauma care and cashless access during emergencies
• The scheme aligns with the larger vision of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) and road safety goals under the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety

Significance

• Strengthens road safety governance in India
• Reduces the financial burden on common citizens during emergencies
• Promotes inter-agency coordination for effective trauma response
• May influence other developing countries to adopt similar public health models