“Cashless Treatment to Road Crash Victims Initiated”: Minister Nitin Gadkari

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has launched a pilot scheme to provide cashless treatment to victims of road accidents caused by motor vehicles. The initiative is currently being implemented on a pilot basis in Chandigarh and Assam, in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA). Under this scheme, eligible victims can receive Health Benefit Packages related to trauma and polytrauma care at empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The coverage is up to ₹1.5 lakh for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of the accident.

The scheme is administered under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, which was constituted under Section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The fund’s sources of income and its utilization are detailed under the Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022. The NHA, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is responsible for implementing the program in coordination with local police, empanelled hospitals, State Health Agencies, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council.

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The pilot program ensures that victims of road accidents receive timely medical care, regardless of where the accident occurs, in line with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing road safety and providing immediate medical assistance to those in need.

This information was shared by Minister Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

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