Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

In News

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recently unveiled a nationwide cashless treatment initiative aimed at providing essential aid to victims of road accidents.

Background

• The scheme builds on a pilot program launched on March 14, 2024 which has since been expanded to include Assam, Punjab, Haryana, and Puducherry.
• This sought to establish a framework for delivering swift medical assistance to vehicle accident victims, particularly during the crucial “golden hour” following an incident.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Nationwide Coverage: The scheme now applies to all road accident victims, offering cashless treatment for trauma and polytrauma cases at hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
  • The treatment cost is covered up to ₹1.5 lakh per accident for seven days.
• Implementation Framework: National Health Authority (NHA) has to collaborate with police, hospitals, and state health authorities for streamlined execution.
  • Utilizes the e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) system and the NHA’s Transaction Management System to ensure seamless registration and claim processing.
• Support for Hit-and-Run Victims: Families of hit-and-run fatalities will receive ₹2 lakh in compensation.

Need/Significance of the Scheme

• Road Accidents: Statistics show 1.80 lakh fatalities in 2024, including 30,000 deaths due to not wearing helmets and 10,000 deaths of children near educational institutions.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Extending the scheme to all road accident victims ensures inclusivity and widens the scope of lifesaving interventions.
• Efficient Implementation: Collaboration between key stakeholders and advanced IT systems enhances accessibility and reduces bureaucratic delays.
• Financial Relief: The compensation for hit-and-run fatalities and the cost coverage for treatment alleviate financial burdens on victims and families.

Source: DD News