The central government is set to launch a pilot programme in Chandigarh that will offer cashless treatment to the victims of road accidents. Based on its outcome, the cashless treatment facility may be extended nationwide.
The initiative aims to stem road accident fatalities by ensuring timely care for the victims, particularly within the critical first hour after the trauma, also referred to as the golden hour.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Health Authority (NHA) will be the implementing agency for the pilot programme.
The facility extends to road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles across all road categories.
Under the initiative, victims can avail cashless treatment up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh per accident for a maximum period of seven days from the date of accident. Furthermore, victims can opt for treatment under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY packages for trauma and polytrauma. The claims raised by the hospitals for providing treatment will be reimbursed from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.