The Government of India will roll out cashless medical treatment for injured accident victims nationwide within the next three to four months.
- The initiative is integral to the amended Motor Vehicle Act 2019. It is a collaborative effort between Ministry of Roads Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure widespread implementation.
- It is also in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, and by drawing its power from the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019.
- The announcement was made at the ‘Global Road Safety Initiative’ event in Delhi, organized by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) in partnership with MoRTH, UNESCAP, and UNECE.
Golden hour
- Cashless treatment shall be extended to road accident victims, including during the golden hour, as defined by the MV Amendment Act.
- The term “golden hour” refers to the vital first hour following a fatal car accident, when early medical intervention can make all the difference.
- India is grappling with the highest number of road accident deaths globally. India is targeting a 50% reduction in accidents by 2030.
- The Road Ministry’s strategy is based on the 5E’s of road safety—Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care.
e-DAR
- Safety measures are incorporated into road design at the planning stage, and the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Project aims to centralize reporting, management, and analysis of road accidents data nationwide.
Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE)
- Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) is a research-based not-for-profit organisation operating since 1991.
