Centre notifies cashless treatment scheme

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims during the “golden hour”.

Scheme Name: Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025.

Effective Date: Came into force on May 5, 2025.

Coverage Amount: Victims are entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh.

Golden Hour Definition:

• As per Section 2(12A) of the Act:
  • The “golden hour” is defined as the first hour following a traumatic injury, when prompt treatment is most likely to save a life.

Hospital Obligations:

• Designated hospitals must immediately administer medical treatment when a victim is brought in.
• Non-designated hospitals may provide treatment only for stabilisation, as specified in the guidelines.

Nodal Agency:

• State Road Safety Council in each state/UT acts as the nodal agency for:
  • Onboarding hospitals
  • Managing patient records
  • Facilitating timely payments

Central Oversight:

• A steering committee has been constituted by the central government to monitor and address challenges.
• Headed by the Road Secretary.
• Includes representatives from:
  • National Highways Authority (NHA)
  • Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Ministry of Finance
  • Ministry of Health
  • Selected state governments
  • Insurance and non-governmental agencies